The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

September 10, 2019

Sequel to The Handmaids Tale

Penguin Random House

432 pages

Fiction, series, library loan

Digital

I feel terrible saying that I am so relieved to have finally finished this book. Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’m any more enlightened or enriched after having read it. It’s more of a stubborn curiosity that prevents me from totally abandoning a book mid way. Sometimes, I have hope that it will somehow redeem itself by the end. I knew that would not be the case in this situation did want to see how it ended.

I have so many issues with this sequel. While I didn’t particularly love The Handmaid’s Tale, the ending was abrupt but acceptable. I think the wondering and confusion sometimes makes for a satisfactory conclusion. Not all stories need sequels or explanations which can further complicate and muddy the original version. I felt that this sequel did little to impress me from the beginning. I wasn’t even half way through when I could predict the course the book would take.

I was disappointed with the predictability and monotony of the novel. I think sequels can be overrated especially when written 30 years post original novel.


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