Personally, I have always had a bit of a lack of interest oin books framed within a Canadian context... never feels quite urbane enough for some story lines.  That being said, Atwood book is only enhanced by the environment it presented in.

To be truthful, I tried the begin the book several times and found myself not "hooked" into continuing past the first chapter (couldn't-quite-get-where-this-is-going mentality) but when I surrendered to the storytelling... I fell in step with her characters... right to the end.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book.... should read it!!