The Handmaid's Tale review

***SPOILER ALERT***

Good book but for something that is quite overhyped I expected more and even though Offred is relatable in one or two ways, she is also quite sufferable. I know she is supposed to be a morally grey character but I don't like how she had an affair in her 'previous' life and how she expected Moira, her best friend, to be the same person after all she's been through. I feel like she picks and chooses her standpoint on the moral spectrum, when it benefits her; which of course is fine in her situation NOW because she's doing whatever she can to survive but I know for a fact she was like this in her 'previous' life.
I have mixed feelings about the book, the implication is really good however most of the characters seem a bit one dimensional.

The part I do like is the parallel between her and the Commander. The Commander is this powerful person and can order anyone around and even get contraband from the black market without getting caught, however, when he is alone in his office with Offred, he acts quite shy and submissive, always asking for permission like for Offred to kiss him goodnight when their meetup is done for the night. 

Whereas Offred, she is a handmaid, she has no power at all except from the fact that men are not allowed to touch or look at her, or else they will receive punishment; and she uses this to her advantage. Whenever she goes out to do the shopping, she will tempt the Guardians at the posts by giving them slips of her face. She knows that she doesn't have any power over the men in the world except from the fact that she is a women and she knows that these sex-deprived men will lust after her. 

Overall, I would give this book a 3.5/5 as the book must have been great for it's time but now a lot of people would disagree or just hate Offred for her character.

I would love to know anyone else's thoughts on this book and if they have any recommendations similar to this book.