Margaret Atwood Reveals All in New Memoir: Insights from the ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Author!

Margaret Atwood, the renowned author of The Handmaid’s Tale, is meticulously selecting groceries at her local store in Toronto. Her shopping is taking longer than one might expect. However, the reason isn’t her age of 86 years, but rather her careful consideration of each product’s origin. She is deliberately choosing Canadian products over those from the US, demonstrating a form of protest against recent political developments across the border. “Elbows up!” she exclaims, adopting a stance of defiance amidst the fruits and vegetables.

Upon returning home, Atwood introduces me to a humorous sketch on YouTube featuring Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and comedian Mike Myers, dressed in national hockey attire, to illustrate the meaning behind her “Elbows up!” gesture. It represents a growing Canadian resistance to the provocative suggestion by President Trump that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. “They’re absolutely livid,” she comments about the public reaction, doubting the feasibility of such a plan and musing about the challenges of governing a resistant Canada. She warns, “Trump would have to contend with me first.”

In her kitchen, as Atwood serves coffee and snacks, she discusses the pressures from her publishers who are anxious about her health, especially since she’s recently been equipped with a pacemaker and has to avoid caffeine and sunlight. She recounts tales of her family’s robustness, like her brother managing tree removal with a chainsaw at 88, and their mother clearing leaves from the roof well into her 80s. She playfully assures me, “I only climb on the flat parts of the roof.”

The conversation turns to her latest memoir, “Book of Lives”, which spans a substantial 624 pages. Atwood has been a prolific writer since 1961, producing a wide range of works, including poetry, essays, and graphic novels. However, she has historically shied away from autobiographical writing. “I’m an old-school novelist,” she declares, “I draw from observing the world, not from introspection.” Despite her vast output, she admits to feeling somewhat excluded from the past era’s focus on personal neuroses and therapy.

Atwood describes her memoir not as a traditional autobiography but as a “memoir of sorts,” focusing on what she remembers, which tends to be the more catastrophic or foolish events of her life. The memoir traverses through personal anecdotes and historical events, from the Great Depression to Trumpism and the COVID-19 pandemic, while also offering a personal perspective on her novels and settling some personal scores.

When asked if writing the memoir was enjoyable, Atwood responds with a nuanced view. “Parts were enjoyable,” she notes, “but writing about people dying certainly wasn’t.” Her narrative doesn’t shy away from detailing both the dark and light moments of her life.

The memoir culminates with the passing of her long-time partner, Graeme Gibson, which coincided with her promotional tour for “The Testaments”. She reflects on their profound relationship and his significant impact on her life and work. Despite her personal loss, she continues to engage with her readers and the public, albeit with a reserved approach to public grieving.

Atwood’s home, once a cult house, is now a sanctuary filled with art, memorabilia, and gifts from fans, including quirky tributes like a knitted figure of herself. She discusses the mixed aspects of fame, from inspiring awe and reverence to attracting hate mail and bizarre fan interactions. As a prominent figure in literature, her influence is undeniable, though she downplays the notion of celebrity, attributing her renown to the serendipitous timing of her works and their adaptations.

Reflecting on her career and the changing landscape of literature, Atwood acknowledges the shifts from the dominance of postwar male writers to a more inclusive literary world. “It’s likely irritating to some,” she muses about her enduring appeal and the broad reach of her work. Despite potential envy or challenges, she remains a steadfast and influential voice in global literature.

Atwood continues to engage with contemporary issues, from political changes to the implications of the #MeToo movement, always with a critical and inquisitive stance. Her work not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion, cementing her status not just as a writer but as a keen observer and commentator of human experience and societal shifts.

As the interview concludes, Atwood reflects on the legacy of her writing and her life, emphasizing that her story is still unfolding. She remains active, curious, and as engaged as ever, continuing to write, inspire, and challenge her readers and herself. “Who knows what’s next?” she offers with a smile, ready for the next chapter, whatever it may bring.