The novel was generally well-received; reviewers noted that while the plot was sometimes chaotic,[14] the novel's imperfections meshed well with the flawed reality the book was trying to reflect.[15] The Daily Telegraph commented that "Margaret Atwood is genuinely inventive, rather than merely clever".[14]
In 2010, the novel was longlisted as a candidate for the 2011 International Dublin Literary Award,[16] and shortlisted for the 2010 Trillium Book Award.
The novel was selected for inclusion in the 2014 edition of CBC Radio's Canada Reads, where it was defended by Stephen Lewis.
