Margaret Atwood is one of the most iconic poets and novelists to date. She is also a very well-known literary critic and an environmental activist. She has written some books that have literally changed the face of world literature. She has written about a lot of amazing and relatable things including the beauty of art and its creation, ideology and its dangers and, of course, pure sexual politics. She has been able to bust myths, deconstruct fairytales and recreate the classics for newer readers. This is perhaps why her work tends to be gothic, which is yet another reason why it’s extreme popularity.
Today is Margaret Atwood’s birthday and the iconic novelist turns 83. This auspicious occasion calls for a proper celebration. It’s time we kick back, wish her well and, of course, read some of her best novels because what better way to let the queen know that we truly love her, huh? If that’s your plan, here’s a list of some of the best novels written by Margaret Atwood that you need to read!
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6 Best Novels Written By Margaret Atwood
1. The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale is considered to be the best novel written by Margaret Atwood. It’s a dystopian novel which was literally way ahead of its time. Published in 1985 and this story is set in a near-future society in England. It tells us the story of a patriarchal state known as the Republic of Gilead which has done the impossible and overthrown the United States government.
2. Alias Grace
This was one of Margaret Atwood’s first historic fiction and it was mass appreciated. In fact, the book has been nominated for several prestigious awards including the Booker Prize. Alias Grace follows the story of a convicted murderer, Grace Marks who has been suffering from a mental illness all her life. Sounds beyond interesting, doesn’t it?
3. The Blind Assassin
This fabulous novel by the icon has been based on fictional town of Port Ticonderoga in Ontario and in Toronto. This is a science fiction narrated by two unnamed lovers who meet regularly in dingy backstreet rooms. It picks up on the interplay between despair and hope during the great depression in Canada.
4. Surfacing
Surfacing was Margaret Atwood’s second novel and it is a fine piece of literature. This part detective and part psychologically thrilling novel is about a female artist who decides to look for her lost father on a remote island in northern Quebec but her search leads her to make some unexpected discoveries.
5. Oryx & Crake
This novel follows Jimmy aka Snowman as he narrates the story of his life before and after a plague. He also reveals falling in love with a strange woman. Oryx & Crake is known to be a strange romantic adventure.
6. The Testaments
The Testaments was a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale which is the most famous novel written by Margaret Atwood. It is set 15 years after the book and is narrated by Aunt Lydia along with Agnes, a young woman based in Gilead, and Daisy, another young woman from Canada.
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So, it’s time to read some of the best pieces of literature written by Margaret Atwood. It’s safe to say that she is truly an icon and one of the most talented novelists, yet. Her books are magical, they have the power to pull in your interest as a reader, capture it and well, never let it go. Sounds like a blast, doesn’t it?
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