While on vacation this fall, I happened by chance onto a Margaret Atwood reading in
Atwood's newest work, The Year of the Flood, returns to the same setting and time period introduced in Oryx and Crake. She says it is neither a prequel or a sequel but a morequel. She explained this word by saying, "If you were reading a Victorian novel you would come to a chapter entitled 'Meanwhile'. This is meanwhile." Interestingly, she also revealed that she felt the setting had room for one more story. There might just be a third book in the works.
During the question and answer section a woman said that she felt that a lot of Atwood's work was dark and dystopian. She wondered if this was reflective of Atwood's personal views. The response was quick with, "Some of - not many - are darker. I have yet to write a book in which all the main characters are dead at the end. That's pretty good. Better than Hamlet..."
You might get the impression that she is quick-witted and you would be one hundred percent correct. Atwood entered the room in a mostly black with pink and purple accented track suit. A purse the size of a messenger bag was tucked under one arm and the guy behind me whispered that she was seventy years old. I want to be like this when I am seventy: tidy, put together, and riotously funny. She was hilarious, no joke.
I have not met an author who came across as more intelligent, warm and in-touch with the crowd as Margaret Atwood. Her first comment was to thank the store and readers. This was followed by an explanation of the schedule of events - including a sampling of hymns introduced in the book. See, this is one of the beautiful things about Atwood - she wanted to make her tour about more than just her work. As an active member of The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Atwood spoke of the pressing need to educate the general public on the importance of preservation. They asked her how someone goes about doing it. She said, "Like this."
Suddenly, she is making plans to go on tour with her book. She was put in contact with Orville Stoeber who set about putting the hymns from the book to music. She arranged additional events in which local performers would showcase the music to continue to raise awareness. Yes, it makes great press for her book. More importantly, it brings to light the issues she is passionate about. Her verve was obvious. While playing the sample of songs she was at the front singing along and bopping to the music. She started the room clapping and despite how horrible my group was at staying on beat we all still felt caught up in a magical moment. That is her skill in person, in life, and in writing. She builds magical moments that we can enjoy anywhere a book can travel.
Peace,
Aja
