Quote Originally Posted by jaeangel
Why would anyone want to read 'Tom Sawyer' when they could read 'Handmaid's Tale?' I loved that book. Still love it. Just the whole idea of wearing a uniform that marks you as someone's fuck girl, and being forced to submit to having sex with a man because his wife can't have kids and she wants them.. ooh.
You know, it's funny how different people perceive text or what turns different people on, because despite my sexual tastes (heh! ), i felt nothing but utter bleakness and sadness during much of 'The Handmaids Tale'. (infact, it was one of the very few novels that have ever actually made me cry). Ever since reading your post, i've been trying to figure why this is...and the only words that come to mind are passionless, claustrophobic and well, bleak. i am quite confused by my own feelings towards it, because i find the actual notion of sexual slavery quite horny, in fantasy, but Atwood doesn't present it as fantasy, it's grittily and horrifyingly real.

Anyway, i'm rambling, just thought i'd add all that for no other reason than to say thanks, i like hearing about different perspectives on books and your post was quite thought provoking to me.

sl

P.S. jaeangel - that first fantasy you posted - crikey, you could make that into a novel! It's so detailed and intricate for such an early fantasy.