Margaret Atwood on the Urge to Doomscroll
▼ Summary
– Margaret Atwood has published a memoir, *Book of Lives*, chronicling her life from her youth to her career and personal relationships.
– Atwood has evolved into a sociocultural and political commentator, especially following the resurgence of *The Handmaid’s Tale* during the Trump era.
– Despite current events, Atwood maintains her previously stated optimism about the United States.
– In a podcast interview, Atwood expressed that the best part of literary fame is professional independence, while the worst is intrusive requests for selfies.
– When asked which Canadian province might rebel first in a Gilead-like scenario, she suggested Quebec or Alberta, noting Alberta’s recent political signs.
Margaret Atwood, the celebrated author whose work spans from dystopian fiction to poetry, has spent decades exploring complex human themes. Now, at 86, she turns her sharp eye inward with a new memoir, “Book of Lives,” which chronicles her journey from a childhood in the Canadian wilderness to her rise as a literary icon. The book offers a candid look at her professional struggles and personal reflections, including settling old scores with the frank acknowledgment that many involved are no longer alive to object. Beyond her writing, Atwood has evolved into a respected cultural commentator, often sought for her insights on politics and society, especially following the renewed relevance of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Despite the turbulent political climate, she maintains a surprising optimism about the future.
In a recent conversation, Atwood proved to be as insightful and witty as her reputation suggests. She was generous with her time, even humorously dealing with a persistently ringing landline during our talk. We covered a wide range of topics, from creative processes to modern anxieties.
KATIE DRUMMOND: Margaret Atwood, welcome.
MARGARET ATWOOD: Thank you.
Let’s start with a few quick questions as a warm-up. Are you ready?
I’m always ready.
Typewriter or computer?
Practically, a computer. Spiritually, a typewriter.
Pierre Trudeau or Justin Trudeau?
What a loaded question. Do I have a choice of neither?
That is an option.
Then I choose neither. I don’t belong to a political party. I usually vote based on what I believe a person will actually do.
What’s the best and worst part of literary fame?
The best part is you don’t have to work for a university and you can’t get fired. The worst part is selfies.
Are you often asked for them?
In very odd places, like the ladies’ washroom. Should I allow them? We’re not going there, because then I’d get even more requests.
If Gilead took over Canada, which province would rebel first?
Quebec?
I thought you’d say Quebec or Alberta.
You can have both. I don’t know about Alberta. They’ve had some pretty Gilead-like signs recently.
For those unfamiliar, I’d describe Alberta as the most Texas of the provinces.
But not very Texas. It’s another place deeply divided between rural and urban areas.
(Source: Wired)
