There is no way a group of women (one would hope men, too) can read and discuss The Handmaid's Tale without distress. But that was surely Atwood's intention. We were saddened that this superb work of "speculative fiction" was just as relevant today, 40 years after it was written. Those who had read it in the 80s remembered it well and nobody had been inclined to read it again, remembering its deep effect. We listened to relevant, topical, poetry and discussed how a regime such as Gilead can evolve anywhere in the world, as Atwood has said. She has also reminded the reader that nothing in the novel was invented - she wove together events that have happened or were planned. Being based on the actions of the religious right, there was disagreement between those of faith and of none; in that respect, the book had done its job in making us think a little more on the dangers of misogynistic elements within religious bodies taking control and 'protecting' or, more accurately, suppressing women. We were glad to have been challenged by this compelling and highly disturbing book.