Cornucopia of questions

If you were to make a film of this novel, what specific challenges would you face in translating it from word to screen?

Actors would have to understand the attitudes and feelings present. They would need to read the book, not just the script. It's hard to get into character without knowing the real character, and having a director tell you does not work either.

What do you suppose motivated Atwood to write this book?

Atwood is rebelling. Just like Hester in Scarlet Letter, she is rebelling to the conformities of society. Atwood takes it to the extreme by bringing to life the future society.

Given that this book was written in 1986, which parts seem especially 'prescient?'

Definitely the environmental aspect. The pollutants released and destruction caused is as accurate as it gets. The eventual outcome of infertility and 'shredders' are something that is slightly showing up (in terms of heightened rate of birth defects) but that has not proven true yet. Also, the compucard is the closest thing to our debit cards. Not called the same thing and no one universal bank (that would be unconstitutional), but performs the same task.

What's left you confused about the reading thus far?

I don't understand why women have a specific time frame for being handmaids (aren't you fertile until around 40?). Then are these girls (children) being raised also as handmaids and what happens to the boys' childhood? When will they stop doing that (what population level are they trying to reach)? Who's idea was this? Who came up with the plan - is it a dictatorship?

What ending are you anticipating?

I think that the Commander will start explaining the system to Offred. This will answer my most pressing question. Also, I don't think she is going to have a baby, ever. The ending will be a cliff hanger, maybe the historical notes will help, but generally it will be up to the reader to decide. And I hate those endings, it ruins the book for me.