Reading Order
Handmaid's TaleThe Handmaid's Tale Reading Order
Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale is a two-book series — though the original novel (1985) works as a complete standalone and is more widely read on its own. The Testaments (2019), which won the Booker Prize, is a direct sequel set 15 years after the original, told from three new perspectives. Both are essential if you want the full arc of Gilead.
Where to start
The Handmaid's Tale
Complete Handmaid's Tale Book List
Handmaid's Tale — Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Handmaid's Tale reading order?
Read The Handmaid's Tale (1985) first, then The Testaments (2019). The Testaments is set 15 years after the original and contains major spoilers for the first book. Both are standalone enough to read independently, but The Handmaid's Tale provides essential context for The Testaments.
How many Handmaid's Tale books are there?
There are 2 books: The Handmaid's Tale (1985) and The Testaments (2019). The Testaments won the 2019 Booker Prize (shared with Girl, Woman, Other). Margaret Atwood has stated The Testaments is the conclusion of the Gilead story.
Is The Handmaid's Tale a standalone?
Yes — The Handmaid's Tale (1985) works as a complete standalone and is widely taught and read on its own. The Testaments (2019) is a sequel set 15 years later, told from new perspectives, and can only be fully appreciated if you've read the original.
What is The Handmaid's Tale TV show based on?
The Hulu series The Handmaid's Tale (2017-present) adapts the first novel and then continues beyond the book's ending. Seasons 1-2 roughly cover the first novel; Seasons 3-5 go well beyond it. The Testaments novel covers similar ground to later seasons but with different characters and perspectives.
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