Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts
books by Margaret Atwood
How does one of the greatest storytellers of our time write her own life? The long-awaited memoir from one of our most lauded and influential cultural figures.‘Every writer is at least two beings: the one who lives, and the one who writes. Though everything written must have passed through their minds, or mind, they are not the same.’Raised by ruggedly independent, scientifically minded parents – entomologist father, dietician mother – Atwood spent most of each year in the wild forest of northern Quebec. This childhood was unfettered and nomadic, sometimes isolated (on her eighth birthday: 'It sounds forlorn. It was forlorn. It gets more forlorn.’), but also thrilling and beautiful.From this unconventional start, Atwood unfolds the story of her life, linking seminal moments to the books that have shaped our literary landscape, from the cruel year that spawned Cat’s Eye to the Orwellian 1980s Berlin where she wrote The Handmaid’s Tale. In pages bursting with bohemian gatherings, her magical life with the wildly charismatic writer Graeme Gibson and major political turning points, we meet poets, bears, Hollywood actors and larger-than-life characters straight from the pages of an Atwood novel.As we travel with her along the course of her life, more and more is revealed about her writing, the connections between real life and art – and the workings of one of our greatest imaginations. The narrative voice used throughout the book feels confident and well-defined. The author’s tone remains steady, helping readers develop a sense of familiarity with the storytelling style. This consistency makes it easier to follow the plot and understand the underlying messages woven into the text. The result is a cohesive reading experience that feels deliberate and carefully crafted. The author’s careful use of language helps convey complex emotions without unnecessary elaboration. Word choice is deliberate, supporting both clarity and nuance. This precision enhances the overall quality of the writing. Many readers appreciate how the book gradually builds toward its conclusion without rushing. Key ideas are given space to develop, ensuring that the ending feels earned rather than abrupt. This thoughtful resolution contributes to overall satisfaction.