The Handmaid's Tale

Started by Leighton, Jun 24, 2017, 12:36 PM

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Leighton

Is anyone watching?  I haven't read the novel (it's on the pile!), but I'm finding the series quite gripping!
Self indulgence is better than no indulgence!

Vera Charles

Quote from: Leighton on Jun 24, 2017, 12:36 PMIs anyone watching?  I haven't read the novel (it's on the pile!), but I'm finding the series quite gripping!
@Leighton I struggled to get into the novel - tried several times, but I just don't get on with Atwood. As a result, had no interest in the television adaptation and it clashes (I think) with The Loch, which I'm rather enjoying

Chris L

Quote from: Vera Charles on Jun 24, 2017, 12:42 PM
Quote from: Leighton on Jun 24, 2017, 12:36 PMIs anyone watching?  I haven't read the novel (it's on the pile!), but I'm finding the series quite gripping!
@Leighton I struggled to get into the novel - tried several times, but I just don't get on with Atwood. As a result, had no interest in the television adaptation and it clashes (I think) with The Loch, which I'm rather enjoying

I have the same problem with Atwood. I've tried reading at least three of her novels and have never gotten past the first third of any. I gather the series is better than the book, though I haven't watched it yet either.
But us, old friend,
What's to discuss, old friend?

JustTheOneAnne

I read the book in college in like two sittings, but didn't remember a lot when I started watching the series--which I think was the way to go. I had the basic outline in my head already, but none of the details.

I think the performances are incredible. I have no idea where they're going to take the next two seasons but it will be worth it to see more of this fantastic work from the likes of Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley and OMG ANN DOWD.
"There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting." -Anne of Green Gables

Chris L

#4
We've started watching and are about three episodes in. The show is incredibly intense, with a score that can be almost nerve jangling at times and some genuinely scary performances, both from the good guys and the bad guys. Amy's scared that we actually may be headed toward a world like this, but I promised I wouldn't talk politics, so I won't push that any further.

The most frightening thing, as Amy has noted, is that on many levels it's a feasible solution to the infertility plague that the show (and Atwood) postulates. Obviously other countries have come up with different solutions, because the show has noted in passing that some people have managed to flee to other places, like Atwood's own Canada, to get away from the Theocratic takeover, but it makes sense that a country with such a militant religious sector as the U.S has might find a solution like this.

I'm enjoying the show a great deal more than I enjoyed what little I read of the novel, though now I'm tempted to go back and start reading the book. If I get all the way through it, that will be a first for me as far as Atwood's novels are concerned.
But us, old friend,
What's to discuss, old friend?

mrssondheim

I loved the series!  The performances were extraordinary. Can't wait for season 2!
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