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Margaret Atwood was born in 1939 in Ottawa and grew up in northern Ontario and Quebec, and Toronto. She received her undergraduate degree from Victoria College at the University of Toronto and her master's degree from Radcliffe College.
She is the author of more than twenty-five volumes of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is perhaps best known for her novels, which include The Edible Woman, The Handmaid's Tale, The Robber Bride and Alias Grace. Her novel, The Blind Assassin, won the prestigious Booker Prize in 2000.
Margaret Atwood currently lives in Toronto with novelist Graeme Gibson.
Author photo © George Whiteside
WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION FROM MARGARET ATWOOD. The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire - neither Offred's nor that of the two men on which her future hangs. Brilliantly conceived and executed, this powerful vision of the future gives full rein to Margaret Atwood's irony, wit and astute perception.
Stan and Charmaine are a married couple trying to stay afloat in the midst of economic and social collapse. Living in their car, surviving on tips from Charmaine's job at a dive bar, they're increasingly vulnerable to roving gangs, and in a rather desperate state. So when they see an advertisement for the Positron Project in the town of Consilience - a 'social experiment' offering stable jobs and a home of their own - they sign up immediately. All they have to do in return for this suburban paradise is give up their freedom every second month, swapping their home for a prison cell. At first, all is well. But slowly, unknown to the other, Stan and Charmaine develop a passionate obsession with their counterparts, the couple that occupy their home when they are in prison. Soon the pressures of conformity, mistrust, guilt and sexual desire take over, and Positron looks less like a prayer answered and more like a chilling prophecy fulfilled.
A recently widowed fantasy writer is guided through a stormy winter evening by the voice of her late husband. An elderly lady with Charles Bonnet syndrome comes to terms with the little people she keeps seeing, while a newly formed populist group gathers to burn down her retirement residence. A woman born with a genetic abnormality is mistaken for a vampire, and a crime committed long ago is revenged in the Arctic via a 1.9 billion-year-old stromatalite.
Toby, a survivor of the man-made plague that has swept the earth, is telling stories. Stories left over from the old world, and stories that will determine a new one. Listening hard is young Blackbeard, one of the innocent Crakers, the species designed to replace humanity. Their reluctant prophet, Jimmy-the-Snowman, is in a coma, so they've chosen a new hero - Zeb, the street-smart man Toby loves. As clever Pigoons attack their fragile garden and malevolent Painballers scheme, the small band of survivors will need more than stories.
IN OTHER WORLDS: SF AND THE HUMAN IMAGINATION is Margaret Atwood's account of her relationship with the literary form we have come to know as 'science fiction'. This relationship has been lifelong, stretching from her days as a child reader in the 1940s, through her time as a graduate student at Harvard, where she worked on the Victorian ancestors of the form, and continuing as a writer and reviewer. This book brings together her three Ellman Lectures on 2010 - 'Flying Rabbits', which begins with Atwood's early rabbit superhero creations, and goes on to speculate about masks, capes, weakling alter egos, and Things with Wings; 'Burning Bushes', which follows her into Victorian otherlands and beyond; and 'Dire Cartographies', which investigates Ustopias -Utopia/Dystopia - including her own ventures into those constructions. IN OTHER WORLDS also reprints some of Atwood's key reviews and speculations about the form, or forms - for she also elucidates the differences - as she sees them - between 'science fiction' proper, and 'speculative fiction', not to mention 'sword and sorcery/fantasy' and 'slipstream fiction'.
One of Belle de Jour's favourite books. September 2010 Guest Editor Belle de Jour on Margaret Atwood... Atwood’s books hugely influenced my reading style (though probably not my writing style!). I love the way she weaves research so seamlessly into her stories. In the hands of a lesser writer, some of her books might be mere dystopian sci-fi, but she makes the characters as real as documentary. The Handmaid’s Tale, in particular, influenced a lot how I think about politics, religion, and feminism.
This is essentially a follow up to Oryx and Crake tells the story of that world created there from a totally different perspective. It may help in some ways to have read the previous novel but it does read as a stand alone and is a fantastic and imaginative read from one of the best writers around.
A new collection of dazzling short fiction from Booker winning author Margaret Atwood. These super-short little 'fictional essays' are as fantastically well-written as you would expect from a literary giant such as Atwood. Each one is like a poem in prose, challenging yet extremely rewarding. The essays are interspersed with illustrations drawn by Atwood herself.
A 2011 World Book Night selection. Atwood's Booker prize-winning novel reissued with a striking new jacket along with other titles from Margaret Atwood's backlist. Lyrical, outrageous, formidable, compelling and funny, this is a novel filled with deep humour and dark drama. Our Editorial Guru, Sarah Broadhurst, has suggested others book and authors that would be perfect for you to read next or to pass on the recommendation - so your gift will keep on giving enjoyment. Her selection for this title is: Aldous Huxley.
July 2013 Guest Editor Cath Staincliffe on The Handmaid's Tale... A story about a terrifying dystopian world, ruled by a military and religious dictatorship which is homophobic, racist and misogynistic. Where infertility is rife, the handmaid’s role is to bear children for the ruling class. This chilling book imagines what a backlash to feminism might lead to and though it is horrifying there is also humanity, wit and humour in the writing. One of Hardeep Singh Kohli's favourite books. September 2010 Guest Editor Belle de Jour on Margaret Atwood... Atwood’s books hugely influenced my reading style (though probably not my writing style!). I love the way she weaves research so seamlessly into her stories. In the hands of a lesser writer, some of her books might be mere dystopian sci-fi, but she makes the characters as real as documentary. The Handmaid’s Tale, in particular, influenced a lot how I think about politics, religion, and feminism.
Although set in the mid 1960’s this is still a relevant book about marriage and relationships and explores the characters in a depth. July 2010 Guest Editor Louise Candlish on Margaret Atwood... I read Atwood’s first novel some time after the later biggies like Alias Grace and was not surprised to find she was masterly right out of the blocks. Though the heroine Marian’s journey is an anguished one, there are also flashes of wonderful absurdist humour. If this were published today it would probably be called ‘chick noir’.
Hamlets Mutter, eine reinkarnierte Fledermaus, ein menschenerforschender Falter oder eine mannerbastelnde Heimwerkerin - in den 27 kurzen Texten dieses Bandes beweist Margaret Atwood einmal mehr, dass sie in jede beliebige Erzahlperspektive schlupfen kann. Dabei geht es nicht um verborgene Botschaften, sondern darum, die Dinge und ihre Gesetzmaigkeiten auf den Kopf zu stellen. Denn: Nichts ist so bizarr wie der Mensch selbst!
A stunning bespoke gift package featuring an iconic design from the prize-winning artist, Noma Bar, eye-catching sprayed edges and ribbon. The perfect present for those who like their beauty with a bit of bite. The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire - neither Offred's nor that of the two men on which her future hangs. Brilliantly conceived and executed, this powerful evocation of twenty-first century America gives full rein to Margaret Atwood's devastating irony, wit and astute perception.
By the author of The Handmaid's Tale Now a major NETFLIX series Sometimes I whisper it over to myself: Murderess. Murderess. It rustles, like a taffeta skirt along the floor.' Grace Marks. Female fiend? Femme fatale? Or weak and unwilling victim? Around the true story of one of the most enigmatic and notorious women of the 1840s, Margaret Atwood has created an extraordinarily potent tale of sexuality, cruelty and mystery. 'Brilliant... Atwood's prose is searching. So intimate it seems to be written on the skin' Hilary Mantel 'The outstanding novelist of our age' Sunday Times 'A sensuous, perplexing book, at once sinister and dignified, grubby and gorgeous, panoramic yet specific...I don't think I have ever been so thrilled' Julie Myerson, Independent on Sunday
The 'riotous, insanely readable' (Observer) retelling of The Tempest from the bestselling author of THE HANDMAID'S TALE and upcoming sequel THE TESTAMENTS. LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILEYS WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2017 Felix is at the top of his game as Artistic Director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival. His productions have amazed and confounded. Now he's staging a Tempest like no other. It will boost his reputation. It will heal emotional wounds. Or that was the plan. Instead, after an act of unforeseen treachery, Felix is living in exile in a backwoods hovel, haunted by memories of his beloved lost daughter, Miranda. Also brewing revenge. After twelve years, revenge finally arrives in the shape of a theatre course at a nearby prison. Here, Felix and his inmate actors will put on his Tempest and snare the traitors who destroyed him. It's magic! But will it remake Felix as his enemies fall?
Toronto, 1843: Das junge Dienstmadchen Grace wird mit sechzehn des Doppelmordes an ihren Arbeitgebern schuldig gesprochen. In letzter Sekunde wandelt das Gericht ihr Todesurteil in eine lebenslange Gefangnisstrafe um. Sie verbringt Jahre hinter Gittern, bis man sie schlielich entlasst. Im Haushalt des Anstaltdirektors begegnet sie dem Nervenarzt Simon, der ihrer Geschichte auf den Grund gehen will: Ist Grace eine gemeingefahrliche Verbrecherin oder unschuldig? Margaret Atwood hat einen Roman von hypnotischer Spannung geschrieben, der die Geschichte einer realen Gestalt, einer der beruchtigtsten Frauen Kanadas erzahlt.
Kanada, in den 1930er Jahren: Laura, funfzehnjahrige Tochter eines Fabrikanten, verfallt einem Gewerkschaftsagitator. Doch auch fur ihre Schwester Iris verkorpert er das romantische Ideal eines Mannes. Als Laura von seinem Tod erfahrt, begeht sie Selbstmord. Zuruck bleibt ein Manuskript mit dem Titel "e;Der blinde Morder"e;, das Laura postum beruhmt macht. Aber ist sie wirklich die Autorin? Iris versucht Jahre spater, sich ruckblickend Klarheit uber die Geschehnisse zu verschaffen.
WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION FROM MARGARET ATWOOD. The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire - neither Offred's nor that of the two men on which her future hangs. Brilliantly conceived and executed, this powerful vision of the future gives full rein to Margaret Atwood's irony, wit and astute perception.
Als Kind wegen ihres unglaublichen Ubergewichts gehanselt und von der eigenen Mutter abgelehnt, findet Joan Foster in ihrer ebenso dicken wie skurrilen Tante Lou eine Verbundete. Als diese stirbt, hinterlat sie Joan ein Vermogen. Doch der Anspruch auf das Erbe ist an eine Bedingung geknupft: Joan mu 40 Kilo abnehmen, um in den Genuss des Geldes zu kommen. Mit gewohnt spitzer Feder setzt Margaret Atwood in "e;Lady Orakel"e; zu einem Rundumschlag gegen menschliche Schwachen an und entwirft wie nebenbei das Portrat einer ganz und gar ungewohnlichen Frau auf der Suche nach ihrer Identitat.
Die provozierende Vision eines totalitaren Staats, in dem Frauen keine Rechte haben: Die Dienerin Desfred besitzt etwas, was ihr alle Machthaber, Wachter und Spione nicht nehmen konnen, namlich ihre Hoffnung auf ein Entkommen, auf Liebe, auf Leben ... Margaret Atwoods "e;Report der Magd"e; wurde zum Kultbuch einer ganzen Generation und von Volker Schlondorff unter dem Titel "e;Die Geschichte der Dienerin"e; verfilmt.
"e;Katzenauge"e;, einer der erfolgreichsten Romane von Margaret Atwood, erzahlt von der schillernden Gefuhlswelt kleiner Madchen. Die erwachsene Elaine erinnert sich an ihre Freundschaft mit Cordelia, die, grausam und schlagfertig, der Qualgeist ihrer jungen Jahre war. Ein groer Roman uber die Kindheit und die von Hassliebe gepragte Beziehung zweier Frauen.
Wer wohnt schon gern in seinem Auto? Zumal, wenn marodierende Banden die Stadt beherrschen? Stan und Charmaine, ein nettes, normales Paar, durch die Wirtschaftskrise in Not geraten, werden immer verzweifelter. Eine Anzeige verspricht Rettung: das Positron Project, ein "e;soziales Experiment"e;, verspricht ein Leben in Sicherheit und geregelten Verhaltnissen. Hastig unterschreiben sie, obwohl die Bedingungen eigenwillig sind - alle Bewohner der streng abgeschiedenen Stadt Consilience wechseln im Monatsturnus zwischen dem Status eines Gefangenen und dem eines Freien. Zunachst lauft alles bestens - auch wenn Charmaine und Stan, ohne dass der jeweils andere davon wei, eine sexuelle Obsession fur ihre Hauspartner entwickeln - also jene Leute, die ihr schmuckes Heim bewohnen, wenn sie selbst ihren Gefangnismonat absolvieren. Doch dann finden sich Charmaine und Stan durch einen "e;Buchungsfehler"e; in verschiedenen Zyklen wieder, und bald ist viel mehr gefahrdet als nur ihre Ehe ...
"e;Verna hatte anfanglich nicht vorgehabt, jemanden zu toten."e; Mit diesem fulminanten ersten Satz beginnt die titelgebende Erzahlung und sofort befindet man sich im Atwood-Kosmos, sofort wird man hineingezogen in eine Geschichte, die hintergrundig, spannend und unglaublich komisch zugleich ist. Verna begibt sich auf eine Arktisreise, um endlich alles hinter sich zu lassen, um abzuschalten. Doch statt Ruhe, Weite, Eis und Schnee trifft sie unerwartet auf den Mann, der ihr Leben fr immer vernderte, als er sie vor ber fnfzig Jahren zum Schultanz lud, die unscheinbare, fleiige Verna Pritchard an der Seite des begehrten Footballstars. Wie Verna nun spte Rache bt, erzhlt Atwood so lakonisch und souvern, wie es nur die "e;Queen der kanadischen Literatur"e; (Literarische Welt) vermag, erzhlt in einer einzigen Geschichte ein ganzes Leben. All ihre stilistische Virtuositt, die Leichtigkeit, den Witz und die Ironie legt Margaret Atwood in diesen Band, ein Glanzstck ihrer Erzhlkunst.
William Shakespeare's The Tempest retold as Hag-SeedFelix is at the top of his game as Artistic Director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival. His productions have amazed and confounded. Now he's staging a Tempest like no other: not only will it boost his reputation, it will heal emotional wounds.Or that was the plan. Instead, after an act of unforeseen treachery, Felix is living in exile in a backwoods hovel, haunted by memories of his beloved lost daughter, Miranda. And also brewing revenge.After twelve years, revenge finally arrives in the shape of a theatre course at a nearby prison. Here, Felix and his inmate actors will put on his Tempest and snare the traitors who destroyed him. It's magic! But will it remake Felix as his enemies fall?Margaret Atwood's novel take on Shakespeare's play of enchantment, retribution, andsecond chances leads us on an interactive, illusion-ridden journey filled with new surprises and wonders of its own.
'It's got a thunderstorm in it. And revenge. Definitely revenge.' Felix is at the top of his game as Artistic Director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival. His productions have amazed and confounded. Now he's staging a Tempest like no other: not only will it boost his reputation, it will heal emotional wounds. Or that was the plan. Instead, after an act of unforeseen treachery, Felix is living in exile in a backwoods hovel, haunted by memories of his beloved lost daughter, Miranda. And also brewing revenge. After twelve years, revenge finally arrives in the shape of a theatre course at a nearby prison. Here, Felix and his inmate actors will put on his Tempest and snare the traitors who destroyed him. It's magic! But will it remake Felix as his enemies fall? Margaret Atwood's novel take on Shakespeare's play of enchantment, revenge and second chances leads us on an interactive, illusion-ridden journey filled with new surprises and wonders of its own.
