The Best Dystopian Books Like The Handmaid’s Tale
From the sequel “The Testaments” to the chilling “The Water Cure,” these books will transport you to alternate futures.
The Best Dystopian Books Like The Handmaid’s Tale
Are you a fan of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and craving more thought-provoking and captivating dystopian novels? Look no further! I’ve curated a list of must-read dystopian books like “The Handmaid’s Tale” that will leave you entranced and questioning the state of society. Each novel explores themes of repression, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a chilling glimpse into what our world could become. So whether you’re a long-time fan of the dystopian genre or new to this captivating literary realm, these gripping novels will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
6 Dystopian Books Like The Handmaid’s Tale
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
“The Testaments” is set over fifteen years after “The Handmaid’s Tale” and it explores the waning power of Gilead through the perspectives of three women. Two are young women from the first generation raised under the regime, while the third is Aunt Lydia, whose complex story unfolds in unexpected ways. Together, their narratives reveal the internal decay of Gilead and the women’s personal struggles with identity and belief.
You can get a copy of The Testaments by Margaret Atwood on Amazon or Bookshop.
Vox by Christina Dalcher
“Vox” is set in a dystopian United States where women are restricted to speaking only 100 words per day. Dr. Jean McClellan is initially in denial as the government also prohibits women from working and educating girls. Determined to fight back, Jean seeks to reclaim her voice for herself, her daughter, and all silenced women.
You can get a copy of Vox by Christina Dalcher on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Farm by Joanne Ramos
“The Farm” is set in a luxurious retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley, where women are paid to carry surrogate pregnancies under strict conditions. Jane, an immigrant from the Philippines, joins the Farm seeking a better future but faces the challenge of staying connected to her family while her movements are restricted. The novel explores themes of motherhood, money, and the sacrifices women make for their families’ futures.
You can get a copy of The Farm by Joanne Ramos on Amazon or Bookshop.
Want To Save This Post?
Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get themed lists and posts from me every week!
Red Clocks by Leni Zumas
In “Red Clocks,” five women in a small Oregon town navigate a society where abortion is illegal and embryos have full rights. Ro, a single teacher, seeks motherhood and writes about a female explorer. Susan copes with a failing marriage, Mattie faces an unplanned pregnancy, and Gin, a herbalist, is tried in a modern witch hunt. The novel explores themes of female identity and freedom, drawing parallels to “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
You can get a copy of Red Clocks by Leni Zumas on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Power by Naomi Alderman
In Naomi Alderman’s “The Power,” the world shifts drastically when teenage girls discover they possess a new physical power, allowing them to inflict pain and even cause death. This change leads to a global reset, affecting diverse characters from various backgrounds. The novel explores themes of power dynamics and societal change, offering a provocative look at an alternate reality that reflects our own world.
You can get a copy of The Power by Naomi Alderman on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh
“The Water Cure” is a haunting debut that follows three sisters, Grace, Lia, and Sky, living on an isolated island where their father, King, has protected them from the chaotic world of men. As they undergo cult-like therapies to withstand a toxic environment, King’s disappearance and the arrival of three strangers disrupt their safety. Over a hot week, tensions rise, leading to a psychological struggle that reveals deep-seated fears and desires. This novel serves as a poetic feminist revenge fantasy and a reflection of contemporary issues.
You can get a copy of The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh on Amazon or Bookshop.
What do you think about these books like The Handmaid’s Tale?
Have you read any of these books like The Handmaid’s Tale? Are any of these books on this list on your TBR? What other books like The Handmaid’s Tale would you add to this list? Let us talk about it in the comments below.
