Three books, one I've read and loved, one I'm still reading and the other I wish I had read.
Tom Perrotta's novel is brilliant and when I heard there was a TV adaptation I was disappointed. Such a brilliant book should'nt break out beyond the cover. However I saw the first couple of episodes of the first season and thought differently. With a plot beginnning, same as the book, years after (I think) 2% of the world's population disappears and how everyone is coping with the aftermath. With a family at the center and the different paths they take actually works on screen. But I read the book, I didn't need to see it. However its season 2 and 3 I might watch as the story goes way beyond the last pages and even gives a reason for why it all happened, which Perrotta never does. I was ok with not knowing as it isn't really about that.
I wish I had read this book. I loved this intricate story that was more than a coming home/murder mystery. Its all about family and tryiny and failing to outrun the past. I wrote about how much I admired about the show HERE and I don't think I can add anymore to it, expect that I really hope there isn't a follow up. The story worked perfectly as a one off series. Don't ruin a good thing.
I know the story and I know how relevent it is now more than ever, which is why I held off watching the show but when I was on my homeward journey back from New Zealand and was on my second flight, I watched the whole first season, 10 hours, glued to my little plane TV. I was shocked, appaulled and hooked, just as I thought. An excellent series, even if every second of it is bleak as hell. I knew it was going beyond the book and I had hoped this would lead to rebellion but things move slow in The Republic of Gilead. Season two brought new horrors but also more stories about other characters which I liked, not that I love June, but she loses it half way through and I did not enjoy that. I also really hated the cliffhanger, really hated it. But not long til season 3.
Don't forget to check out where it all started over at
Wandering Through the Shelves
Wandering Through the Shelves