The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

If you have read Oryx and Crake, then you already know the exact style of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Though I have not read anything but Sci Fi from Atwood, I found that they were written in the same fassion. Atwood fails to reveal any details and purposely adds an air of mystery surrounding the future, but unintentionally overdoes it and makes hokey sentences that over sentimentalize and sensationalize the work. Beyond that, The Handmaid's Tale was a fascinating insight into the role of females in society today. I found it very interesting to see the differences between this female dystopia and a more orwellian male dystopia. Beyond the obvious that females are subjected in The Handmaid's Tale, I found that it emphasized different values all together. For instance, while in Orwell's 1984, the protagonist is praised for his ability to skirt and endure physical pain and suffering, in the Handmaid's Tale, the protagonist (known only as offred - of Fred that is) is values for withstanding mental and emotional strain. It is seen as terrible that she has to submit her body to sexual debasement, but Offred is never actually physically tortured. Along with other minute differences, it was great to be afforded this insight into the plight of women, and to see how so many women feel here and now about how they are treated.
Great read for women but especially men.
Andrew