Atwood's writing is so mesmerising, I could not put this book down. I didn't think much of the plot or the way it was revealed - lacking any elements of suspense as we are reading testaments written after the big event. We know our characters survive up to a certain point and where their choices are leading them. But by God they were intriguing characters.

Their lived experiences are so colourful to read. Aunt Lydia's experiences of torture and choice - playing the long game, and playing God. Dealing mercy and punishment while herself being under such little autonomy in this state that she helped design.

Agnes with her entire life only knowing the system she was raised to and being unable to see the possibilities beyond. Why would she be unhappy if she knows nothing else? It shows how bad the conditions are, that a lifetime of brainwashing couldn't placate her into acceptance.

I might have said this about The Handmaid's Tale, but this book is so validating to the woman's experience in this world. Of unwanted attention, of guilt for inspiring lust, of anger for being the responsible party, or fear, of heartbreak at never being considered 'good enough', heartbreak of having to make the hard choices, to carry the emotional burdens as is our lot in life. This book makes me want to grapple out of my own self consciousness and just LIVE with struggles other than the struggles of having a woman's body and temperament.

I liked the story, but I adored the different displays of strength and character that a woman can choose to have.