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

- The Testaments was published in 2019, over 30 years after Margaret Atwood released its predecessor, The Handmaid’s Tale, in 1985.
- The novel won the 2019 Booker Prize, which Atwood shared with Bernardine Evaristo, marking the first time the award was shared since 1992.
- Margaret Atwood incorporated elements from contemporary political events and social issues in the creation of The Testaments, reflecting real-world influences on the dystopian narrative.

**Aunt Lydia**  
A powerful and influential Aunt in Gilead, known for her pivotal role in creating and controlling the women’s sphere and her strategic manipulation to maintain her position within the regime.

**Agnes Jemima/Aunt Victoria**  
A young girl raised in Gileadean society, who eventually becomes an Aunt and is revealed to be the daughter of a revolutionary Handmaid, Offred.

**Daisy/Jade/Nicole**  
A spirited teenager living in Canada, who discovers her identity as Baby Nicole, a symbol for opposing forces in the conflict between Gilead and anti-Gilead sympathizers.

**Becka/Aunt Immortelle**  
Agnes’s close friend and fellow Supplicant, who comes from a troubled past and becomes a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice.

**Aunt Vidala**  
One of the Founding Aunts committed to the ideals of Gilead, known for her cruel and scheming nature and her rivalry with Aunt Lydia.

**Aunt Elizabeth**  
A Founder Aunt whose early association with power shifts into cooperation with the Gilead regime, known for her willingness to uphold its doctrines despite inner turmoil.

**Commander Judd**  
A high-ranking and ruthless member of the original Gilead leadership who manipulates others to assert his influence in governing society.

**Tabitha**  
The loving and protective adoptive mother of Agnes, who surrounds her with affection and fairy-tale stories during her early upbringing.

**Paula**  
Agnes’s manipulative and harsh stepmother, eager to remove Agnes from the household and entangled in a dubious past involving her first husband.

Margaret Atwood

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Novel

The Handmaid's Tale Series

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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

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Character Analysis

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Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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The Testaments

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