Margaret Atwood's novel The Testaments received acclaim for its engaging narrative and rich character development, expanding the world of The Handmaid's Tale effectively. Critics praised its relevance and thought-provoking themes. However, some felt certain plot points were predictable and the ending too neat. Overall, it is seen as a compelling continuation.

A reader who would enjoy The Testaments by Margaret Atwood is likely captivated by dystopian narratives that explore themes of power, gender, and resistance. Fans of Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale or George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World would appreciate the novel's continuation of Gilead's story and its rich character development.

The Testaments, Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, follows the stories of two teenage half-sisters and the leader of Gilead’s women’s sphere, Aunt Lydia, as they resist the authoritarian, ultra-religious regime of Gilead. Set 15 years after the first book, the plot weaves through their experiences within and outside Gilead, culminating in a plan to overthrow the oppressive society. The book addresses sensitive topics such as child marriage, sexual slavery, and systemic oppression.

Dark / Suspenseful / Challenging / Mysterious / Contemplative

Margaret Atwood

Adult

Novel

The Handmaid's Tale Series

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Testaments and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Testaments Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Statue”

Part 1 The Testaments Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “PRECIOUS FLOWER”

Part 2 The Testaments  Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Hymn”

Part 3 The Testaments Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “THE CLOTHES HOUND”

Part 4 The Testaments Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Van”

Part 5 The Testaments Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “SIX FOR DEAD”

Part 6 The Testaments Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Stadium”

Part 7 The Testaments  Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “CARNARVON”

Part 8 The Testaments Part 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 9: “Thank Tank”

Part 9 The Testaments Part 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 10: “SPRING GREEN”

Part 10 The Testaments Part 10 Summary & Analysis

Part 11: “Sackcloth”

Part 11 The Testaments Part 11 Summary & Analysis

Part 12: “CARPITZ”

Part 12 The Testaments Part 12 Summary & Analysis

Part 13: “Secateurs”

Part 13 The Testaments Part 13 Summary & Analysis

Part 14: “ARDUA HALL”

Part 14 The Testaments Part 14 Summary & Analysis

Part 15: “Fox and Cat”

Part 15 The Testaments Part 15 Summary & Analysis

Part 16: “PEARL GIRLS”

Part 16 The Testaments  Part 16 Summary & Analysis

Part 17: “Perfect Teeth”

Part 17 The Testaments Part 17 Summary & Analysis

Part 18: “READING ROOM”

Part 18 The Testaments Part 18 Summary & Analysis

Part 19: “Study”

Part 19 The Testaments Part 19 Summary & Analysis

Part 20: “BLOODLINES”

Part 20 The Testaments Part 20 Summary & Analysis

Part 21: “Fast and Thick”

Part 21 The Testaments Part 21 Summary & Analysis

Part 22: “HEARTSTOPPER”

Part 22 The Testaments Part 22 Summary & Analysis

Part 23: “Wall”

Part 23 The Testaments Part 23 Summary & Analysis

Part 24: “THE NELLIE J. BANKS”

Part 24 The Testaments  Part 24 Summary & Analysis

Part 25: “Wakeup”

Part 25 The Testaments Part 25 Summary & Analysis

Part 26: “LANDFALL”

Part 26 The Testaments Part 26 Summary & Analysis

Part 27: “Sendoff”

Part 27 The Testaments Part 27 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue

The Testaments Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Testaments Character Analysis

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Themes

The Testaments Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Testaments Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Testaments Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Testaments Essay Topics

The Testaments

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Testaments?

Reading Age

Book Details