The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

In this chilling tale, Margaret Atwood describes a society in which women have lost their rights...their right to work, their right to money, their right to education, their right to read, even their right to their own bodies. The narrator, Offred, once a mother, married, and employed, now is a handmaid. A handmaid is a women not quite qualified enough to be a "wife," but qualified enough to bare children. She lives with a prominent family, and has intercourse with the "commander" once a month, in hopes of producing a child. The handmaidens only have the opportunity to bare three children (with three different men), after which (or if they are unable to produce) they declared "unwomen" and are sent to the "colonies" to work until they die.

I absolutely love Atwood's strong feminine voice in this novel. However, this piece does not only raise questions regarding feminism, it also deals with topics of religion, slavery, politics, etc... It gives anyone, man or woman, a lot to think about long after they have set down the book. I highly recommend The Handmaid's Tale to any and all readers. It is not a book to be missed.

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

I chose Oryx and Crake for my first Atwood novel based on a friends recommendation. I have to say, I was not in the least bit disappointed. If Atwood writes every novel with this much originality, creativity, and intrigue, then I am forever hooked. Oryx and Crake is set in the future and is told by the character Jimmy, who also goes by Snowman. Snowman is the present and Jimmy, the past. The reader is thrown into a civilization that has been demolished and re-created. The story is narrated by Snowman, who explains the chain of events that lead to this new civilization by retelling his childhood bit by bit. The reader is along for the ride as Snowman retells his entire life, up to present day.

Admittedly, it is slow to begin. However, the more I read about Snowman/Jimmy's past, the more difficult it was to set this novel down. Atwood certainly did her research. The future she paints is very believable, and quite frightening. The story ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger. I am almost certain that Atwood does this for a reason. However, it does leave the possibility for a sequel. Oryx and Crake was a remarkable read, and I definitely would read it again.

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

A voice from the dead. A forgotten soul. Primarily, if not solely, known as "Wife of Odysseus." Atwood provides a powerful feminist approach to The Odyssey through the voice of Penelope. While Odysseus encountered war, adventure, and triumph; Penelope waited for essentially half of her adult life for Odyesseus' return. For twenty years, Penelope thwarted suitors attempts to marry and take over the throne. For twenty years, Penelope watched as men half her age satisfied their ravenous hunger for meat, wine, and sex at the expense of her household. For twenty years, Penelope was unable to do much other than wait, hope, and cry. For Penelope was stuck in a time where men held the power and women were only silent backseat participants. A time when women were seen as property and a means to an end. A time when women were enemies instead of allies, all vying for attention from what else but a man? A remarkable read and wonderful addition to your Atwood library.