<p>I've only read <em>The Handmaid's Tale</em> by Atwood, but between that and her influence on popular culture today it's clear she is one of the best writers out there. This story confused me though, I couldn't really understand what it was about or what it was trying to get across. I'd love to hear somebody's thoughts on it.</p>

Lizzie and Nell live in a run down house, without electricity, on the waterfront that has been passed down through their family. It appears to be a semi-apocalyptic future, where they have to "discourage invaders" and have to make sure mice don't overrun their home. The curious thing is that there seem to be others across the river that live with electricity and running water, yet Nell's and Lizzie's phones still work.