The Handmaid’S Tale … Information For Anyone Who’S Interested

[naomi24]

If anyone is, like me, itching to read the book but reluctant to do so because they don’t want to spoil the television series for themselves ….. good news. I am reliably informed that the book covers only the first series …. so we won’t know the real ending until we’ve watched the complete production. Buying the book as we speak!!

[ladybirder]

It's just shocking reading it again after goodness knows how many years Naomi. So matter of fact.

[naomi24]

Much of the story contains biblical references. Gilead is a place mentioned in the bible, and the shops have had their original names changed to reflect the bible, eg ‘Loaves & Fishes’.

[cassa333]

I wonder if those arriving came because they are actually looking for her and have come to do a proper sweep or because she fired the gun, which must have been hours before the birth.

Incidentally I think that when Fred was blown up it knocked his head and he is now a bit unhinged.

In the hospital he was more interested in Offred and the baby and he was suddenly very willing to give Sarena the belt. Which I never got the impression he would have done before.

I think he. Is turning more fundamental than he was.

[naomi24]

Cassa, I thought they came because she fired the gun... but for all I know Nick could have returned. As you say quite some time must have elapsed between her firing the gun and the vehicle arriving - and she can't be very far away from civilisation because Fred told Nick to get her back home in three hours.

Maybe beating is the standard punishment for disobedient wives. Serena seemed to know what was going to happen to her and she conceded to it.

[cassa333]

I think the punishments are very much laid down in the ‘rule’ book but I don’t get the impression he would have used corporal punishment before. I do think the bombing changed him somehow.

Only two more episodes so a lot has to happen now.

[naomi24]

I don't think he used corporal punishment before - but I think she accepted it as the rule.

[naomi24]

Cassa, //Only two more episodes so a lot has to happen now. //

There's another series to follow - presumably another 13(?) episodes - so this one is going to end on a cliff-hanger.

[ladybirder]

Oh gawd. I don't know if I'm strong enough to take anymore.

[AuntLydia]

"Only in Suffering will we find Grace"
LOL!

[naomi24]

LB, Onwards! Remember you're British!

AL, Haaaa! I'm tempted to say 'Who's Grace?' .... but I won't.

[ladybirder]

LOL. Praise be we've got Aunt Lydia's face staring out at us now. Scary.
I have taken to having a drink on Sunday evenings at 9pm to help me keep a stiff upper lip Naomi.

[naomi24]

Oh good grief! So she is! Pass the bottle, LB!

[AuntLydia]

Ha Ha I've had to change it, it was making ME uneasy. Praise be girls!

[naomi24]

Haaaa! That's even more scary!!

[naomi24]

Almost Sunday..... cue Jaws theme....

I reckon Nick's come back for her.

[ladybirder]

I look forward to each episode with dread. How odd is that?

[AuntLydia]

I think nick and serena joy are coming back for her.

[naomi24]

//I look forward to each episode with dread.//

Perfection!

[naomi24]

Well! What do we make of that?

[ladybirder]

12 hours later and I'm still mulling it over.