Publisher's Synopsis

A beautiful hardback edition of Atwood's classic dystopian novel.

'As relevant today as it was when Atwood wrote it' Guardian

Offred is a Handmaid in The Republic of Gilead, a religious totalitarian state in what was formerly known as the United States.

She is placed in the household of The Commander, Fred Waterford - her assigned name, Offred, means 'of Fred'. She has only one function: to breed.

If Offred refuses to enter into sexual servitude to repopulate a devastated world, she will be hanged.

Yet even a repressive state cannot eradicate hope and desire. As she recalls her pre-revolution life in flashbacks, Offred must navigate through the terrifying landscape of torture and persecution in the present day, and between two men upon which her future hangs.

Masterfully conceived and executed, this haunting vision of the future places Margaret Atwood at the forefront of dystopian fiction.

'Fiercely political, yet witting and wise...this novel seems ever more vital in the present day' Observer

Vintage Quarterbound Classics: Bound to be beautiful

Book information

ISBN: 9781784879679
Publisher: Random House
Imprint: Vintage Classics
Pub date:
Edition: Reprint
DEWEY: 813.54
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Sales rank: 1926
Number of pages: 336
Weight: 378g
Height: 202mm
Width: 137mm
Spine width: 30mm