by Carmen Oleksinski
Following a successful launch of the Women in Transport Book Club in April, we put it to members to decide what our next read would be. I’ll admit, I was somewhat surprised when multiple requests for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood were received. It was a book that had long been on my ‘To read’ list, but I wondered what it would be like to read a dystopian novel, given that our current reality is not too distant from one. Motivated by my desire to hear what others would have to say, I dove in.
What is The Handmaid’s Tale about?
For those that have not read the book (or watched the TV show), The Handmaid’s Tale follows a woman named Offred who is enslaved in the fictional society of Gilead, formerly known as the USA. While, at first, it may sound far-fetched, the book clearly lays out how the society went from a modern one that we would recognise today to this alternative one, by chipping away the rights of its citizens, most dramatically the women.
Why is it relevant today?
The story’s relatability in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic is unmistakable. Book Club attendees mentioned the references to the relatively carefree ‘before time’, the separation from loved ones and the conflicting news of what is happening in the world. Since the book is narrated from the perspective of Offred, the reader is immersed with her in the frustration of being isolated.
The book touches on so many topics relevant to today that it led to a wide ranging discussion during the Book Club session. For example, misinformation intended to sow confusion (e.g. controversies surrounding fake news), occurrences of women oppressing other women (e.g. the current Ghislaine Maxwell scandal), or the removal of citizens' rights to express dissent (e.g. Hong Kong’s recent security law). And while the book does not directly address racial inequality (and is criticised for this), the story does borrow heavily from the experience of African American slaves. Putting the reader in the shoes of someone whose free will is almost non-existent creates an emotional connection to what oppression feels like from the inside.
Finding strength and inspiration
The inspiration in the novel comes from what Offred does in response to her plight. She perseveres in the face of extreme adversity. She keeps hope by communicating small messages to other enslaved women. She sneaks in small pleasures and self-care whenever she can. And she practises mindfulness, truly taking in the details of her surroundings or the comfort of a good hard boiled egg.
The Handmaid’s Tale is a book that sticks with you and remains as true to this moment as it did when it was published over 35 years ago. It was a nice change of pace to dig deep into a novel when, for many in the transport industry, we can be overloaded with data and numbers during our working hours. For me, the lessons of appreciating the present, making the most of difficult situations and keeping hope alive were very welcome in these times.
Save the date
The Women in Transport Book Club will continue to meet quarterly, with the next session scheduled for Thursday 22nd October 18:30-19:30. Registration will open soon.
Help us to decide what to read next! Something to help build professional skills? A book addressing race and equity? An interesting memoir? Take our very quick poll to let us know what you’re interested in.
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