The quote "we lived in the gaps between the stories" from Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" highlights the idea of underlying narratives that exist beneath the surface of dominant tales. It suggests that there are hidden experiences and truths that are often overlooked or ignored in the grander narrative of society. These gaps represent the lives and voices of individuals who may not fit neatly into the established storylines, particularly those marginalized by oppressive regimes.

This notion serves to emphasize the importance of recognizing and acknowledging these overlooked perspectives. In the context of the novel, it reflects the struggles of women in a dystopian society where their identities and experiences are devalued. By living in these gaps, characters forge a sense of agency and resilience, finding ways to interpret and reclaim their stories against the backdrop of a repressive world.