1
by George Orwell
01949
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a bleak and claustrophobic tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
10 Best Books Like The Handmaid's Tale
If you loved The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, here are the most similar books our readers recommend.
Quick Answer
The best books like The Handmaid's Tale are:
- 11984 by George Orwell0
- 2The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley4.5
- 3Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier0
- 4The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde0
- 5Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky4.7
- 6Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel0
- 7The Pretender by Jo Harkin4.2
- 8Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult3.9
- 9The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller0
- 10The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid4.6
Literary Fiction01985
In the Republic of Gilead, women's rights have been stripped away and fertile women like Offred are forced to bear children for the ruling class in a theocratic dystopia
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Detailed Recommendations
2
by Susanna Kearsley
4.52025384 pages
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a tense but romantic tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
3
by Daphne du Maurier
02012448 pages
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a brooding and atmospheric tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
4
by Oscar Wilde
01890
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a decadent and haunting tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
5
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
4.72012608 pages
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a dark and psychologically intense tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
6
by Emily St. John Mandel
0
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a melancholic but hopeful tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
7
by Jo Harkin
4.22025449 pages
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a melancholic and contemplative tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
8
by Jodi Picoult
3.92021310 pages
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a contemplative and raw tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
9
by Miranda Cowley Heller
0
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a anguished and introspective tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
10
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4.62017400 pages
Why you'll love it:
This literary fiction shares a bittersweet and glamorous tone that will resonate with The Handmaid's Tale fans.
Quick Comparison: Books Like The Handmaid's Tale
| Book | Author | Rating | Year | Pages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | George Orwell | 0 | 1949 | — | Closest match |
| The King's Messenger | Susanna Kearsley | 4.5 | 2025 | 384 | Similar vibes |
| Rebecca | Daphne du Maurier | 0 | 2012 | 448 | Similar vibes |
| The Picture of Dorian Gray | Oscar Wilde | 0 | 1890 | — | Similar vibes |
| Crime and Punishment | Fyodor Dostoevsky | 4.7 | 2012 | 608 | Similar vibes |
| Station Eleven | Emily St. John Mandel | 0 | — | — | Similar vibes |
| The Pretender | Jo Harkin | 4.2 | 2025 | 449 | Similar vibes |
| Wish You Were Here | Jodi Picoult | 3.9 | 2021 | 310 | Similar vibes |
| The Paper Palace | Miranda Cowley Heller | 0 | — | — | Similar vibes |
| The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo | Taylor Jenkins Reid | 4.6 | 2017 | 400 | Similar vibes |
Authors Who Write Like Margaret Atwood
If you enjoy Margaret Atwood's writing style, explore these similar authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What books are most similar to The Handmaid's Tale?
The most similar books to The Handmaid's Tale are 1984, The King's Messenger, Rebecca.
What should I read after The Handmaid's Tale?
After finishing The Handmaid's Tale, readers most commonly pick up 1984 next.
Who writes books like Margaret Atwood?
Authors similar to Margaret Atwood include Madeline Miller, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Brit Bennett, Patti Callahan Henry, Colson Whitehead.
What genre is The Handmaid's Tale?
The Handmaid's Tale is a Literary Fiction novel by Margaret Atwood, published in 1985. It features elements of Dystopian, Reproductive Rights, Totalitarian Government.
How long is The Handmaid's Tale?
The Handmaid's Tale varies in length depending on edition.
Does The Handmaid's Tale have romance/spice?
The Handmaid's Tale has a spice level of 1/5. This book has light romantic elements.
About The Handmaid's Tale
In the Republic of Gilead, women's rights have been stripped away and fertile women like Offred are forced to bear children for the ruling class in a theocratic dystopia. Atwood creates a chilling vision of a fundamentalist future that explores the fragility of women's rights and the dangers of religious extremism. A feminist classic that inspired the Emmy-winning Hulu series and remains urgently relevant, this novel examines themes of bodily autonomy, resistance, and survival while serving as both a warning about authoritarianism and a testament to the human spirit's refusal to be completely broken, even in the most oppressive circumstances.