Although it is an interesting (albeit, frustrating) story, Atwood's novel sings the same tune most dystopian novels do. In the light of extremism, most are oppressed and few prosper. Everyone is in a trance, forgetting what was before or thinking it a lesser time, and only a few are aware and attempt to break free. Some are successful, some are less fortunate. Thus, my rating should be viewed as the book is "average and meets dystopian novel standards." While a good read and one that any dystopian fan will enjoy, not many dystopian novels rise from averageness to excellence. This was not one of them. 
 My full review of The Handmaid's Tale can be read here.