“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
This year, I finally read “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. I had heard great things about this novel considered a Canadian classic of literature. This may have been published in 1985, but I think the story is still relevant in today’s world. Although I don’t know how I feel about the epilogue. While reading the book, I really believed Offred’s story, so discovering that it may not be true, I felt cheated in a way.
Atwood’s work was recently adapted as a t.v. show and I obviously watched it all. I could not stop at the first episode and binge watched the whole season. The first thing that struck me as different was the amount of information given in the first episode. One definitely has to finish the whole book before watching the first episode or risk being spoiled. Also, Offred actually says her real name at the end of that episode. It is something that we never actually learn in the book.
Another small difference I noticed is the punishment given at the Red Center. In the book, Moira is the rebellious one and the Sisters punish her by mutilating her feet. In the show, it is Janine who acts out and her punishment is much more drastic. She actually loses an eye over her theatrics. I gotta say, losing an eye makes much more of an impact on the viewers than mutilated feet.
Finally, the biggest difference would be the modernization brought to the story. In the novel, some signs point to it being set in the 70s or the 80s. However, the television show is clearly set in modern times. The characters carry smartphones and diversity in the population is very much present. I do not think Offred’s husband and best friend were dark-skinned people in the book like they are on the show.
While some things were different in the t.v. show, I think those changes were needed in order to make the show relatable to its viewers. Sacrifices are always made in book-to-screen adaptations and “The Handmaid’s Tale” was a successful one.