Margaret Atwood Reflects on Life and Legacy in New Memoir

Margaret Atwood has launched her new memoir, Book of Lives, which delves into the experiences and influences that have shaped her illustrious career. The acclaimed author, known for works such as The Handmaid’s Tale, has often resisted the label of prophet, despite the unsettling parallels between her fiction and contemporary events. In a candid interview, Atwood shared insights into her life, her writing process, and the challenges that come with being a public figure.

Atwood, who turns 85 this year, expressed her reluctance to write a memoir for many years, believing it would be tedious. “They wore me down,” she admitted, referring to her publisher’s encouragement. A more profound reason surfaced as she reflected on the losses she has faced. “Two words: People died,” she stated, indicating that the passing of significant individuals allowed her to explore topics she previously avoided.

In her memoir, Atwood addresses childhood experiences, including bullying and gender bias she faced in the literary world. “Poets are not, generally speaking, a fully balanced or unenvious lot,” she writes, hinting at her encounters with jealousy within the Canadian literary scene. While Atwood acknowledges her tendency to hold grudges, she also notes that her life story is an ongoing narrative. “The story of your life is a story, and we’re always rewriting it,” she explained.

Literary Journey and Cultural Impact

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1939, Atwood’s literary journey began early. She started writing poetry and fiction in the first grade, drawing inspiration from her surroundings in the wilderness of northern Quebec. Her early experiences with bullying informed her writing, particularly in her novel Cat’s Eye, which explores the impact of childhood trauma.

Atwood’s professional career began with poetry, publishing her first collection, Double Persephone, in 1961. Recognition followed with her novel The Edible Woman in 1969, a work that some critics labeled as a feminist manifesto, a categorization Atwood disputes. Her true breakthrough came with The Handmaid’s Tale in 1985, which envisioned a future authoritarian America and has gained renewed relevance in light of recent political developments, including the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Atwood’s works have sold over 40 million copies worldwide, translated into 50 languages. The success of The Handmaid’s Tale has been amplified by the award-winning television adaptation, in which Atwood made a cameo appearance, further cementing her status as a cultural icon.

Contemporary Challenges and Reflections

Atwood’s prominence has not come without its challenges. She has faced criticism from various political factions, particularly for her views on free speech and the #MeToo movement. In a 2018 op-ed, she questioned whether the movement had gone too far, which drew backlash from some on the left. Atwood remains steadfast in her belief that “the centre is harder to defend” as she navigates criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.

As an author frequently targeted in the United States, nine of her books have been banned in 135 school districts, according to PEN America. Despite this, Atwood maintains that such actions only increase the popularity of her works. “You can’t really ban this stuff unless you get it out of bookstores, burn it at the stake and shoot the publishers,” she remarked, highlighting the absurdity of censorship in literature.

Atwood’s journey reflects not just her literary achievements but also her resilience in the face of adversity. Her optimism, which she attributes to her upbringing in the wilderness, remains a guiding force in her life. “I’m an optimistic person,” she said, adding that she reserves thoughts of doom for extreme situations.

As she embarks on a global publicity tour for Book of Lives, Atwood continues to engage with the world around her, blending the personal with the political in her writing. In doing so, she invites readers to reflect on their narratives, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in understanding our lives and societies.