The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, first published in 1985. The book describes a totalitarian society where women are strictly controlled and their rights are restricted. The main character, Offred, is a "handmaid" whose sole function is to bear children for the ruling elite. The novel addresses themes such as freedom, identity, and the abuse of power. It is a powerful and disturbing work that encourages readers to think and engage in discussion.