Margaret Atwood is writing a sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale' — and the internet is freaking out

Taylor Cromwell
·MAKERS

Our prayers have been answered: The Handmaid’s Tale is getting a sequel.

Margaret Atwood, the author of the 1985 dystopian novel that inspired the hit Hulu series, announced on Wednesday that she’s writing a sequel to her bestselling feminist book. Atwood shared the news on Twitter, adding that the new novel will be published in September 2019.

Actor Elisabeth Moss, author Margaret Atwood and actor Samira Wiley attend the Hollywood premiere of Hulu’s <em>The Handmaid’s Tale</em> in April 2017. (Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Actor Elisabeth Moss, author Margaret Atwood and actor Samira Wiley attend the Hollywood premiere of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale in April 2017. (Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

“Everything you’ve ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book. Well, almost everything!” Atwood said. “The other inspiration is the world we’ve been living in.”

The Testaments will be narrated by three female characters and take place 15 years after Offred’s final scene.

Atwood’s original novel first rose to the top of the bestseller charts in 1985. The book recently experienced a resurgence in popularity with the award-winning television adaptation starring Elisabeth Moss.

Immediately after Atwood posted the news, the author’s fandom erupted in celebration online.