I don't remember many details, as it was a good ten years ago, but I remember that I enjoyed it. It was well-written and as I recall had an interesting ending. Based on the strength of it, I've since picked up a couple of her other books (Handmaid's Tale and Oryx & Crake), but I haven't managed to read them yet. I know nothing about Handmaid's Tale, but it sounds as though you disapproved.