Margaret Atwood, the acclaimed author of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which has sold over 10 million copies and inspired an Emmy-winning series on Hulu, has downplayed the idea that the book represents her greatest work. The Canadian author, now 85, believes that the current societal context—marked by a rollback of reproductive rights and the overturning of Roe v. Wade—has played a significant role in the renewed attention on her 1985 novel. She noted that in a different world, the book might simply “be sitting on a shelf somewhere,” but today, its iconic scarlet costumes have transformed into powerful symbols of protest and resistance.
Atwood acknowledged that the prominence of her work is not solely the result of its literary qualities but rather a reaction to the “twists and turns of history.” She has authored 64 books, with her narratives often exploring dystopian themes fueled by totalitarianism, environmental decline, and global pandemics. Her 2003 novel, “Oryx and Crake,” serves as an example of her prescient storytelling, portraying scenarios that provoke readers to consider potential future realities.
Known for her meticulous research, Atwood’s writing process is guided by a firm rule: if something has never happened anywhere at any time, it does not make it into her fiction. Her archives at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library in Toronto contain evidence supporting her narratives, including an extensive collection of news clippings that inform her plots.
In her latest work, “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts,” Atwood reflects on her upbringing in the wilderness of Quebec and her education, which was influenced by her father’s career as an entomologist. She emphasizes how this background has shaped her attention to detail in writing. The memoir chronicles her journey from a young poet performing in student theater to participating in the foundation of Canada’s literary institutions. It also delves into her partnership with the late writer Graeme Gibson, capturing the intricacies of their blended family life.
Atwood’s life experiences have molded her views on government and power. She crafted much of “The Handmaid’s Tale” while in West Berlin during the early 1980s, directly influenced by the political climate and societal restrictions she observed in the Eastern Bloc. Today, she expresses concern over the erosion of civil liberties, noting that “the overriding of ordinary civil liberties is one of the signposts on the road to dictatorship.”
When discussing the state of the United States, Atwood recognizes that certain behaviors resembling historical dictatorial tactics, such as media control and judicial manipulation, are troubling.
Her works have faced bans and challenges in 135 American school districts, with objections often rooted in accusations of moral corruption and sexual content. Atwood has expressed frustration, particularly regarding a recent ban of her work in Edmonton, Alberta. She remarks that she has experienced more backlash from the political left, who believe she should align with their perspectives, while the right often dismisses her as irrelevant.
Amid these challenges, Atwood stands firm in her beliefs, reflecting on the necessity of maintaining free expression in literature. Her thoughtful commentary on societal and political issues, wrapped in her distinctive narrative style, solidifies her position as a key voice for both literature and freedom of speech. Atwood’s ability to weave personal narrative with broader societal themes offers readers both insight and hope amidst ongoing struggles for rights and justice.