Monday, January 5, 2026

Monday Moments - Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood

('nuff said)

Her Book of Lives, A Memoir of Sorts is almost six hundred pages.  It's a weightlifting challenge for the arms. It's a mind blowing challenge for the  brain. 

cover blurb - Atwood unfolds the story of her life, linking key moments to the books that have shaped our literary landscape, from the cruel school year that would become Cat's Eye to the unease of 1980s Berlin, where she began The Handmaid's Tale

As she explores her past, Atwood reveals more and more about her writing, the  connections between real life and art - and the workings of one of our greatest imaginations. 

I enjoyed this memoir immensely. Yes,  I  skimmed a bit on some of her parents' history, and sometimes there was almost too much detail on  some camping  trips. But, all in all, this  book is a hoot.  She has  a wicked sense of humor, knows how to convey it on  the page, and I could sense the  twinkle in her eye as she added to this life tale. 

Too many great little turns of phrase to copy here. I chuckled out loud at times. I  was also amazed at her steadfast energy and honor in the craft of writing.  I appreciated her Canadian background, fortitude, and I think it counts for a lot in her makeup.  She's  a tiny person but a force of nature. She had a great love (Graeme) and that shines through. She absolutely knows who she is and does not buckle.  And she's still writing.  She has opinions on the current state of the world. 

She is Margaret Atwood.    'nuff said.      Read her  works and be astonished. 
 


2 comments:

  1. Hi Joanne - an author I've never been able to get into ... but I suspect it's my power of staying with her books. I've noted her Memoir is an excellent read - to be picked up at some stage and as you say 'Read her Works and be Astonished' - cheers Hilary

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    1. I understand. She is challenging. I’ve given up on some of her books. But I appreciate her more as I age.

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