I first read this book 16 years ago in 2004. Back then I rated it 9 stars, but after a reread earlier this year and being totally absorbed by the television series, I have now rated it as a 10.
Here is my journal from when I read the book previously :-
" I was motivated to read this after grover3d listed it as #6 in his BC Top 100 fiction - perhaps motivated is the wrong word; I constantly seem to be keeping up with bookrings/rays and decided to put them aside for a few days for a change.
A great novel, certainly can see why it got such a high rating.
Still current, even though it was written in the mid-80's. The scenario of women losing all their rights and just becoming vessels of procreation sits with the extreme right Christian and Islamic values.
I liked the way Offred reflected on her past as she journeyed through the present, and bit by bit the current climate was explained through her personal journey”.

Hope this is as good as the series for you.

Fantastic read. Thoroughly enjoyed it particularly having already seen the first series on TV some time ago. Attwood is a fantastic writer and never hesitates to keep you engaged.