The Handmaids Tale

So far, the book is relatively slow. I love the writing and the plot really makes you think. Something that has been bothering my group and I (more specifically Paloma and I) is how little background knowledge the author gives us. It wouldn't make sense for her to give us any background information because the story is written from Offreds perspective, and her deeply reminiscing on the past would be somewhat irrelevant to the current story. Still, we would like to know some more information on how the society became the way it is. Slowly we are getting more clues but I think that everything will click into place once the author reveals some of the past's secrets. On another note, I have a feeling that Offred is going to start breaking the rules. She has showed many signs of a rebellious alter-ego. She talks about stealing, smoking, and just breaking the rules. This is rebellion because the society she lives in is extremely protected and breaking the smallest rule could have a sever punishment. I am wondering if she is going to concieve. If she doesn't it wouldn't be a disappointment because then we would get to see where the "unwomen"go. This is almost my preferred plot change because we can already safely assume that once she gets pregnant, it will be downhill from there and not the most exciting story. I am eager to see what happens with her and Nick also, they seem to have a little bit of a thing going on. The main theme in the book so far is brainwashing in my opinion, and Im sure it will continue throughout the book.