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The Testaments

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Margaret Atwood

The Testaments

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Gilead • 21st century

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL790L

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Super Short Summary

The Testaments, Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, follows the stories of two teenage half-sisters and the leader of Gilead’s women’s sphere, Aunt Lydia, as they resist the authoritarian, ultra-religious regime of Gilead. Set 15 years after the first book, the plot weaves through their experiences within and outside Gilead, culminating in a plan to overthrow the oppressive society. The book addresses sensitive topics such as child marriage, sexual slavery, and systemic oppression.

Dark

Suspenseful

Challenging

Mysterious

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

435,670 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Margaret Atwood's novel The Testaments received acclaim for its engaging narrative and rich character development, expanding the world of The Handmaid's Tale effectively. Critics praised its relevance and thought-provoking themes. However, some felt certain plot points were predictable and the ending too neat. Overall, it is seen as a compelling continuation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Testaments?

A reader who would enjoy The Testaments by Margaret Atwood is likely captivated by dystopian narratives that explore themes of power, gender, and resistance. Fans of Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale or George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World would appreciate the novel's continuation of Gilead's story and its rich character development.

4.4

435,670 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Aunt Lydia

A powerful and influential Aunt in Gilead, known for her pivotal role in creating and controlling the women’s sphere and her strategic manipulation to maintain her position within the regime.

A young girl raised in Gileadean society, who eventually becomes an Aunt and is revealed to be the daughter of a revolutionary Handmaid, Offred.

A spirited teenager living in Canada, who discovers her identity as Baby Nicole, a symbol for opposing forces in the conflict between Gilead and anti-Gilead sympathizers.

Agnes’s close friend and fellow Supplicant, who comes from a troubled past and becomes a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice.

One of the Founding Aunts committed to the ideals of Gilead, known for her cruel and scheming nature and her rivalry with Aunt Lydia.

A Founder Aunt whose early association with power shifts into cooperation with the Gilead regime, known for her willingness to uphold its doctrines despite inner turmoil.

A high-ranking and ruthless member of the original Gilead leadership who manipulates others to assert his influence in governing society.

The loving and protective adoptive mother of Agnes, who surrounds her with affection and fairy-tale stories during her early upbringing.

Agnes’s manipulative and harsh stepmother, eager to remove Agnes from the household and entangled in a dubious past involving her first husband.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Gilead • 21st century

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL790L

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