The Testaments

by Margaret Atwood
The Testaments cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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  • ID: 7893
  • Added: 2025-12-18
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780771009433
  • Published: 2019-09-10
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In The Testaments, Margaret Atwood returns to the world of Gilead, answering long-standing questions from readers. This sequel picks up fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale, offering the perspectives of three female narrators. Atwood herself has stated that the inspiration for this book comes from readers' inquiries about Gilead's inner workings and the world we live in today./n/nThe novel is a powerful exploration of the themes and characters introduced in The Handmaid's Tale, providing a deeper understanding of the society of Gilead. With its compelling narratives and thought-provoking insights, The Testaments is a must-read for fans of the original and new readers alike.

Reviews
Julia's Books · Julia · 2020-01-09
gripping 4.00

The novel is written from the perspectives of three women, offering a gripping account of their experiences in a declining Gilead. It is a must-read for fans of The Handmaid's Tale.

Julia finds The Testaments to be a gripping and well-crafted sequel that delves into the experiences of three women in Gilead. The novel's multiple perspectives add depth and complexity, making it a compelling read. Julia appreciates the way Atwood explores the themes of power and resistance, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and engaging. The characters are well-developed, and their stories intertwine in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Julia highly recommends The Testaments to fans of The Handmaid's Tale and anyone interested in dystopian fiction.

Quick quotes

    The Testaments is written from the perspectives of three women and is presented as an account of their experiences in what appears to be a declining Gilead.

    The novel is a must-read for fans of The Handmaid's Tale.

    The characters are well-developed, and their stories intertwine in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The Guardian · Madeline McDonnell · 2019-09-10
dazzling 4.50

The prose is adroit, direct, and beautifully turned, showcasing Atwood's generosity, insight, and control. The Testaments is a dazzling return to Gilead, filled with wit and tension.

Madeline McDonnell praises The Testaments for its masterful prose and the way it seamlessly transports readers back to the chilling world of Gilead. The novel is a testament to Atwood's skill, blending wit and tension to create a compelling narrative. McDonnell highlights the generosity and insight of the writing, making it a standout sequel that lives up to its predecessor. The characters' perspectives are beautifully rendered, adding depth and complexity to the story. Overall, The Testaments is a dazzling and thought-provoking read that will captivate fans of The Handmaid's Tale.

Quick quotes

    The prose is adroit, direct and beautifully turned.

    The Testaments is Atwood at her best, in its mixture of generosity, insight and control.

    The novel is a dazzling return to Gilead, filled with wit and tension.

BBC Culture · 2019-09-06
chilling 3.50

The much-anticipated follow-up to The Handmaid's Tale is chilling and intense, though it may not fully live up to its predecessor. It is a thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian world.

The BBC Culture review notes that The Testaments is a chilling and intense follow-up to The Handmaid's Tale. While it may not fully live up to the high standards set by its predecessor, it remains a thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian world. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and the way it delves into the complexities of Gilead. The story is engaging and keeps readers hooked with its intense narrative and well-crafted characters. Despite some reservations, The Testaments is a compelling read that will leave a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    The much-anticipated follow-up to The Handmaid's Tale is finally here.

    It is chilling and intense, but does it live up to its predecessor?

    A thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian world.

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