Dystopian · Science fiction · Literary
The Testaments
Set fifteen years after The Handmaid's Tale, this novel is told through three women connected to Gilead, including the feared Aunt Lydia. Their stories move toward a risky attempt to bring the regime down.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2019
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 320
- Format
- Book 2 of 2 in The Handmaid's Tale
Read this if you read The Handmaid's Tale and want to see Gilead from new viewpoints.
Skip this if you have not read the first book, since this sequel assumes you know Gilead already.
The feel
Content warnings
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Quick answers about The Testaments
- What is The Testaments about?
- Set fifteen years after The Handmaid's Tale, this novel is told through three women connected to Gilead, including the feared Aunt Lydia. Their stories move toward a risky attempt to bring the regime down.
- Who should read The Testaments?
- Read it if you read The Handmaid's Tale and want to see Gilead from new viewpoints. Skip it if you have not read the first book, since this sequel assumes you know Gilead already.
- How long and how fast is The Testaments?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 320 pages, first published in 2019.
- Does The Testaments have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Abuse, Violence, Sexual assault.
- Can I borrow The Testaments for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Testaments; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Testaments?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Handmaid's Tale, The Giver.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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