Margaret Atwood on Age, Writing, and Influence
During a busy rush hour in downtown Toronto, Margaret Atwood, Canada's most renowned author and an internationally acclaimed figure, moved through a café unnoticed. At 85, she wore dark clothes and a hat that concealed her white, curly hair. On a sunny autumn day, she chose the terrace to quietly discuss her eagerly awaited memoirs.
Reflections on Memoirs and Writing
Atwood admitted she initially doubted the purpose of writing her memoirs. In the book, she questions,
“Who wants to read the story of someone sitting at a desk wrestling with a blank page?”She adds wryly,
“It’s boring enough to die of boredom.”Yet, despite her reservations, she completed them.
Views on Women and Age
Atwood offered a striking observation about how older women are perceived:
“Older women are only allowed to be two things: wise old women or wicked old witches.”
On Cultural and Political Themes
In the conversation, Atwood reflected on the lasting impact of her novel The Handmaid’s Tale, her thoughts on President Trump, Canadian literature, and mortality, all delivered with her characteristic irony.
Setting and Atmosphere
The interview took place on a bright Canadian autumn day when the season cautiously reveals the coming winter, underscoring the themes of change and endurance woven through Atwood's work and outlook.