Eric

Difficult to say -- This is a long string of vignettes, many of which are brilliant and made better by the excellent narrator. I listen during commuting and as such, didn't feel that the story was done justice by my split attention between driving and listening. This is a book better listened to with full attention. There are too many subtle gems to miss.

The interplay between native American assimilation and independence -- always in tension and a contrast that was always illuminating.

Cadence, tone, and intonation. This was a story made to be read by Farmer.

It made me feel. It was raw and beautiful.

As I mentioned, this is a book to listened to as narrated by Farmer. Wouldn't have been nearly as special to have read this book. Just don't listen while distracted. Do yourself a favor and listen with intention.

How clear and lyrical the story was and how truthfully it was performed. I thought early-on in the story "this is beautifully poetic." It was no surprise to later find out that Atwood indeed is a poet.

I don't know of other books to which this compares though it did make me think of "Children of Men" probably more for it's dystopian feminism.

There wasn't a favorite. She was masterful with all.

Offred of course. She is the character through whom the story is told and through whom Margaret Atwood professes her best poetry.

I'm really glad that Atwood wrote this story and I cannot believe it took me this long to listen to it. The book really blew me away. I moved through dread, terror, and hope many times. Listening to It was a stark experience and sometimes evoked really powerful emotions. As a guy, I really appreciated the story and the feminist perspective.

I cannot imagine that this story would have been as emotive and fully developed had it not been read by Claire Danes. She was magnificent! I had heard of her but never really had been exposed to her work. I am glad I was through this book.