More like The Red Tent...
Comparing this novel to The Handmaid's Tale is fair but not entirely just. As I read The Virtues, I was constantly reminded of The Red Tent by Anita Shrieve (which is another favorite novel of mine.) I empathize with Miriam's mother, Ruth, as I know the feeling of being overworked and underappreciated as a mom. I would love to win an advance copy of this book!