The Heart Goes Last
Ratings74
Average rating3.3
Well, I think this is my favorite Atwood book–I think I like it even more than Handmaid's Tale. It's not a perfect book, but it is such great spot-on satire, with a quick pace and wonderful characterizations that I have to give it 5 stars. The protagonists aren't people I'd like to hang out with, but it's heartbreaking (and oddly inspiring) to see them put through their paces.
As usual, Atwood is so great at near-future satire that I wonder if we'll see a prison/city combo as described in this book in my lifetime, or, indeed, if we already have them.
I didn't love this book the way I loved some of Atwood's other works. There are some interesting ideas here, but the characters aren't sympathetic.
4.5 stars
Would you sign your life away for security?
This is my first time reading, Margaret Atwood. Very enjoyable experience. This story was engaging, immersive and highly nuanced. I will make it a point to read more, Atwood.
Margaret Atwood has done it again! She has created a truly terrifying realistic near future. One with sexbots, unauthorised organ harvesting and neurological sex slavery. But ultimately, this is about choices. What happens when your right to choose is taken away from you? And is it better to be free or secure?
I have no idea what this has such low ratings. Yes, all the characters are deplorable and the plot is shocking, but it is such a thought provoking book. I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
2.5 stars. I felt like the author was wanting to say something important with this story but I wondered through out the book as if I was “getting it.” Strange read that I couldn't ever really get into.
I'm as shocked as anyone that this one fell flat for me. It had such a promising start, but the characters are ultimately unlikeable, the narrative too repetitive, and the ending too unsatisfying.
I liken this book to the feeling you get when your football team is up 3-0 with 20 minutes to play, only to lose 3-4. That was how I felt.
I was so afraid of not enjoying it: another dystopian novel, by Atwood? Surely couldn't be so good as the handmaid's tale.
Not a danger: it was great! Loved the irony, the characters, the ending. Wonderful book to finish my year.
Another book that gives a peek at a future that could be ours, the way things are going, which is not a good thing. Well done but not as engrossing as The Handmaiden's Tale.
Is it supposed to be a satire? A straight up SF book? Not sure. Was somewhat entertaining, but not very engaging.
As always, I love Atwood's writing and was sucked into the story. I just wasn't crazy about the story. About halfway through I no longer cared about what happened to Charmaine or Stan and had to push to finish it.
