Margaret Atwood Books

Margaret Atwood has published more than 50 books, including The Blind Assassin, winner of the Man Booker Prize in 2000, and The Testaments, cowinner of the Man Booker Prize in 2019.

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1
 Books: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood
4.5 (125 ratings)
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What's The Handmaid's Tale about?

The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) is a contemporary classic – the story of a patriarchal dystopia that inspired the hit television series of the same name and remains as relevant today as it did when it was first published.

Who should read The Handmaid's Tale?

  • Literature lovers who want to brush up on a modern classic
  • Feminists seeking an introduction to this iconic critique of the patriarchy
  • Speculative fiction fans who want to learn more about a notable literary dystopia

2
 Books: The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood

The Blind Assassin

Margaret Atwood

What's The Blind Assassin about?

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood is a gripping tale of a young woman who escapes from a suffocating marriage and begins a passionate love affair. Interwoven with this story is a science fiction novel, written by the woman's sister, about a young assassin who is in love with a blind woman. This intricate and beautifully written book explores the themes of betrayal, love, and the power of storytelling.

Who should read The Blind Assassin?

  • Readers who enjoy complex and intricately woven narratives
  • Fans of Margaret Atwood's thought-provoking and lyrical writing style
  • Those looking for a mix of historical fiction, mystery, and social commentary

What's Alias Grace about?

'Alias Grace' is a novel written by Margaret Atwood. It tells the story of Grace Marks, a notorious Canadian maid who was convicted of murder in the 19th century. Based on true events, the book provides a fictionalized account of Grace's life and the circumstances surrounding the murders. Atwood weaves a captivating tale that delves into themes of memory, truth, and the complexities of female identity.

Who should read Alias Grace?

  • Psychological thriller enthusiasts who enjoy complex character studies
  • Readers interested in historical fiction with a focus on women's experiences
  • Those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives that explore issues of identity, memory, and truth

4
 Books: The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

The Testaments

Margaret Atwood

What's The Testaments about?

The Testaments is a gripping novel by Margaret Atwood that serves as a sequel to her iconic book The Handmaid's Tale. Set 15 years after the events of the first book, it offers a compelling exploration of the oppressive regime of Gilead and the lives of three women who are determined to bring it down. Atwood's masterful storytelling and thought-provoking themes make this a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction.

Who should read The Testaments?

  • Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction and speculative narratives
  • Fans of Margaret Atwood's previous work, particularly The Handmaid's Tale
  • Those interested in exploring themes of power, resistance, and female agency

5
 Books: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Oryx and Crake

Margaret Atwood

What's Oryx and Crake about?

Oryx and Crake is a thought-provoking novel by Margaret Atwood that takes place in a dystopian future. It tells the story of Snowman, the last human left on Earth, as he reflects on his past and the events that led to the downfall of civilization. Filled with themes of science, morality, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement, this book challenges our ideas about the future and the world we live in.

Who should read Oryx and Crake?

  • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking dystopian fiction
  • Those interested in exploring ethical and environmental issues through literature
  • Individuals who appreciate complex and multi-layered storytelling

6
 Books: MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood

MaddAddam

Margaret Atwood

What's MaddAddam about?

MaddAddam is a thought-provoking novel by Margaret Atwood that delves into themes of genetic engineering, environmental destruction, and the power dynamics of a post-apocalyptic world. Set in a future where corporations have taken over and bio-engineered creatures roam the earth, the book follows a group of survivors as they navigate a new way of life and confront the consequences of humanity's actions.

Who should read MaddAddam?

  • Readers who enjoy dystopian and speculative fiction
  • Those interested in exploring themes of genetic engineering, environmentalism, and society's relationship with technology
  • People who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters

7
 Books: The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

The Year of the Flood

Margaret Atwood

What's The Year of the Flood about?

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood is a thought-provoking novel that explores a dystopian future where a group of people known as the "God's Gardeners" strive to survive in a world ravaged by environmental and societal collapse. Through the intertwining stories of two women, the book delves into themes of environmentalism, religion, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Who should read The Year of the Flood?

  • Readers interested in speculative fiction and dystopian tales
  • Those who enjoy thought-provoking explorations of environmental and social issues
  • People who appreciate complex and nuanced characters facing moral dilemmas

8
 Books: Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood

Stone Mattress

Margaret Atwood

What's Stone Mattress about?

Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood is a collection of nine darkly humorous and thought-provoking short stories. Atwood weaves together tales of revenge, betrayal, and the supernatural, all centered around the theme of aging and the power dynamics between men and women. With her signature wit and sharp insight, Atwood explores the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of past actions.

Who should read Stone Mattress?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and twisted storytelling
  • Fans of Margaret Atwood's other works
  • Those interested in exploring themes of revenge, aging, and the complexities of human relationships

9
 Books: Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

Alias Grace

Margaret Atwood

What's Alias Grace about?

Alias Grace is a historical fiction novel by Margaret Atwood. Set in 19th century Canada, it tells the story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant and domestic servant who was convicted of a double murder. Based on a true story, the book explores themes of memory, identity, and the power dynamics between men and women.

Who should read Alias Grace?

  • Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a psychological twist

  • Those interested in exploring the complexities of memory and identity

  • Individuals who appreciate nuanced and ambiguous portrayals of characters


10
 Books: Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood

Cat's Eye

Margaret Atwood

What's Cat's Eye about?

Cat's Eye is a compelling novel by Margaret Atwood that delves into the complexities of female friendship, memory, and identity. The story follows the life of artist Elaine Risley as she reflects on her childhood and the intense, often cruel dynamics of her relationships with her friends. Atwood masterfully explores the lasting impact of these formative years on Elaine's adult life, making for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

Who should read Cat's Eye?

  • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and introspective novels

  • Those interested in exploring the complexities of female friendships and identity

  • People who appreciate Margaret Atwood's insightful and evocative writing style


11
 Books: Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood

Hag-Seed

Margaret Atwood

What's Hag-Seed about?

Hag-Seed is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's The Tempest by Margaret Atwood. The novel follows the story of a theater director who seeks revenge on those who betrayed him by staging a production of The Tempest in a prison. Blending humor, wit, and a touch of magic, Atwood creates a captivating tale of redemption and the power of art.

Who should read Hag-Seed?

  • Readers who enjoy modern retellings of classic literature

  • Shakespeare enthusiasts looking for a fresh interpretation of "The Tempest"

  • Those interested in themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the power of storytelling


12
 Books: Surfacing by Margaret Atwood

Surfacing

Margaret Atwood

What's Surfacing about?

Surfacing is a novel by Margaret Atwood that delves into the themes of identity, self-discovery, and the connection between humans and nature. The story follows a woman who returns to her childhood home in the wilderness of northern Quebec in search of her missing father. As she unravels the mysteries of her past, she also confronts her own inner turmoil and the secrets that lie beneath the surface.

Who should read Surfacing?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and complex, introspective narratives

  • Those interested in exploring themes of identity, memory, and the impact of the past on the present

  • People who appreciate atmospheric and evocative descriptions of nature and the human psyche


13
 Books: The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood

The Robber Bride

Margaret Atwood

What's The Robber Bride about?

The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of three women who are brought together by their shared history with a manipulative and enigmatic woman named Zenia. As they unravel Zenia's web of lies and deceit, they come to understand the power dynamics in their own relationships and the impact of betrayal. Atwood's masterful storytelling and rich character development make this book a compelling exploration of female friendships and the complexities of human nature.

Who should read The Robber Bride?

  • Readers who enjoy complex and morally ambiguous characters

  • Those interested in exploring the dynamics of female friendships and rivalries

  • People who appreciate thought-provoking and skillfully crafted narratives