Home / Arts and Entertainment / Margaret Atwood Memoir: 'Dead Boring' Subject Becomes Vivid Tale
Margaret Atwood Memoir: 'Dead Boring' Subject Becomes Vivid Tale
8 Oct
Summary
- Margaret Atwood's memoir, 'Book of Lives,' covers loves, losses, and literary achievements.
- The 86-year-old author narrates her audiobook with a gravelly, witty, and unmistakable voice.
- Her landmark novel, 'The Handmaid's Tale,' is a significant focus of the memoir.
Margaret Atwood, a prolific Canadian author, initially found the idea of writing a memoir unappealing, describing it as "dead boring." However, the prospect eventually gained a "lurid phosphorescent glow," leading to "Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts." This work chronicles her loves, losses, and considerable literary achievements, having authored over 50 books.
The 86-year-old author herself narrates the audiobook, delivering a performance characterized as leisurely, gravelly, and drily witty. While her recall of early works is limited, significant books, particularly her 1986 dystopian novel, "The Handmaid's Tale," are well-remembered.
"The Handmaid's Tale" is a central piece discussed. When an early draft was shown to novelist Valerie Martin, Atwood expressed concern about potential trouble, to which Martin predicted significant financial success.
