Book Club

[MILKI]

Good morning readers!!!

I was not able to watch this TV series when it first debuted back in 2019, as I did not have a subscription to HULU, but now, I have been watching it on Disney Plus. I would like to hear from those who have read the Handmaid Tale and Testamont books in regards to which was better, movie or book or just your thoughts in general about either the TV series and the books... thank you, MJ

[gwiz]

The books are ALWAYS better.

[Citrine1]

Hello @MILKI .  I hope you don't mind my dropping in to chat as I have NOT read the books and cannot speak to that.

I just finished watching this series on Hulu.  Correction - I haven't watched the last episode, the series finale, yet.  I so don't want this show to end!

I wasn't hooked from the very beginning.  I watched part of the first episode and didn't bother to go back.  A few years later, I started it again.  Oh my gosh, I'm so glad I did!  

Every episode was so intense.  I absolutely fell in love with the show and some of the characters.  I would binge watch for days.

I watched the first five seasons back to back.  I had to wait for season six to come out and was afraid I'd be disappointed because the other seasons were so good.  Trust me, I was not.  Each and every episode pulls me in and leaves me feeling emotionally drained after I watch!  haha (ok, slight exaggeration).  

I have heard that the series and books are quite different.  I've also heard that some who have read the books first were annoyed with how different the series is.  

I've had many favorite series over the years, and this one is certainly among the best (in my opinion).

I've thought about reading the books, but still on the fence about that.

I hope you continue to watch and enjoy.

[bmorechick]

@MILKI  Haven't read the books, but have watched the series since the beginning.  Got frustrated during the hiatus (due to strike) of not filming more episodes and waited almost 2 years for it to offer new seasons.  I am so p'od at Jane in the new episodes...she wears my tv patience but what does that tell you...the actress is that good. I could reach thru the tv!  I've taken a break past 3 weeks but will get back into it now that network tv is in rerun status.

It's really good- one that had me watching until 3 am.  And yes, I have to get up and go to work.  Those days are rough!

[bmorechick]

@Citrine1    Emotionally drained is a spot on reaction!

[Lakelife62]

I read Handmaids Tale years ago. It was all I needed. It has stood the test of time and is immensly relevant.

I have watched some episodes of the series. The first season sticks fairly closely to the book.

IIRC, the book opens a century after Gilead, with scholars reading Ofred's journals. We never find out in the book what happened to her, what her name was or what happened to her child or husband.

If you have a chance to read the book, there is an eeriness about it that stays with you long after you're done.