Original Handmaid's Tale Novels in Publication Order
The Handmaid's Tale book series begins with Margaret Atwood's 1985 dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale, which established the Republic of Gilead and the handmaid Offred. The second novel, The Testaments, was published in 2019 and won the Booker Prize, directly continuing the story with three narrators. Together, these two books form the core canon and are the primary reading order for new fans.
The Testaments is set 15 years after the original novel and reveals the inner workings of Gilead's regime through the perspectives of Aunt Lydia, Agnes Jemima, and Daisy. It provides closure to many plot threads from the television adaptation and confirms key details about Gilead's collapse. The publication of The Testaments marked a major event in literary publishing, debuting at number one on bestseller lists worldwide.
Related and Companion Books in the Handmaid's Tale Universe
Broader Works by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and Other Works collection includes short fiction and essays that expand on the themes of the series. The MaddAddam trilogy, which includes Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood, and MaddAddam, shares the same speculative universe and explores corporate bioengineering. Reading these alongside The Handmaid's Tale provides deeper context for the dystopian world.
Television Tie-In and Companion Materials
The Hulu television series adaptation has released companion books and visual guides that detail the show's expanded storyline and production design. These materials are not traditional novels but provide supplementary lore for fans of the screen version. The series itself has won multiple Emmy Awards and is one of the most-watched streaming shows globally.
How to Read the Handmaid's Tale Books in Order
Recommended Reading Sequence for New Readers
Start with The Handmaid's Tale to understand the foundational world-building and Offred's narrative. Proceed to The Testaments for the direct sequel and resolution of the original story. After these two, readers can explore Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy for a broader view of the same speculative future.
Why Publication Order Matters
Reading the books in publication order preserves the suspense and reveals the evolution of Atwood's world-building from 1985 to 2019. The Testaments was specifically designed to answer questions left open by the first novel, making it the essential next read. Following this sequence ensures a cohesive understanding of the characters and the political structure of Gilead.