Margaret Atwood on Ageing and Memoirs
In a busy Toronto café during rush hour, Margaret Atwood, Canada’s renowned author, goes largely unnoticed. At 85, dressed in dark clothes with a hat concealing her white curls, she sits quietly on the terrace. On a crisp autumn day, she speaks softly with her usual irony about her much-awaited memoirs.
Reflections on Writing Memoirs
Atwood admits she was initially reluctant to write her memoirs, questioning their appeal:
“Who wants to read the story of someone sitting at a desk wrestling with a blank page?”
Yet, despite her doubts, she completed them, acknowledging the slow passage of time:
“It’s boring enough to die of boredom.”
On Society’s View of Older Women
Atwood critiques common stereotypes faced by older women:
“Older women are only allowed to be two things: wise old women or wicked old witches.”
Ongoing Themes and Impact
The author also reflects on contemporary issues, including the enduring relevance of her novel The Handmaid’s Tale, Canadian literature, and themes of mortality highlighted in her memoirs.
Summary
Margaret Atwood thoughtfully challenges ageist stereotypes and shares personal insights in her memoir, blending irony with reflections on writing and legacy.
Would you like a more detailed structure with sections on her views of Trump and Canadian literature?