Q&A with Margaret Atwood discussion

The Handmaids Tale was one of the most phenomenal books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It's one of the few books I can reread and scour the pages hoping to uncover something new. Would you ever consider writing a sequel to The Handmaids Tale?

Although I would also love to read a sequel, that would mean destroying the ambiguity of the book's ending -- I wish I knew whether she escaped for real or not, but the not knowing seems integral to the experience of reading this book. Perhaps a prequel, then?

Doesn't it sort of tell you what happens in the History Notes at the end of the book? Or did I imagine that?

I guess it confirms that she probably did escape from the house, but there's no trace of her after that, so you don't know if she made it through the regime or not.

My absolute favourite book of all time! But I have to say I completely agree with Hallie - I know I'd love reading it, but I'm not sure how it would work without destroying the original. But then again, if anyone can do it, it's Margaret Atwood! :)

A sequel doesn't necessarily mean it has to be the same main character. The ambiguity can be left in tact, but just do a sequel that tells what happens in the society using a new protagonist.I would like to see that happen.

I'll join the "if it aint broke don't fix it" crowd. The book is my favorite and is absolutely perfect IMHO. Any attempt to add to the story would ultimately take away from what makes it so good. I like the idea that we will never know what happens. The horror of it all is left to the imagination.

:-D Well I am in the "cup is half full and half empty" crowd (can there be one of those?) I am happy either way. I know that she has the talent to make it happen, if that were what she wanted to do.

Although I do wonder, would it be a good use of time...when The Handmaid's Tale was already really good and stands alone very well...