I had never read The Handmaid's Tale until this year and I enjoyed that so much that I was ready for more. I think reading both books back-to-back has helped me enjoy the latter book more than if I had read it months or years later.

I think I like the sequel more because I find Aunt Lydia's character more interesting than Offred from the first book. I find her a rich, multi-faceted, character who is certainly morally ambiguous.

I really enjoyed the constant changing between the three main narrative viewpoints, and the way those narratives slowly, but surely, coalesce as you reach the end of the book.