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In an era of political turmoil and rising censorship, Margaret Atwood—the iconic author of The Handmaid’s Tale—stands as a defiant voice against authoritarianism. At 84, she calls today’s climate “the scariest of times” and opens up about resisting Trump, battling book bans, and her unflinching memoir, Burning Questions.
Atwood’s Dire Warning: Democracy in Peril
Atwood’s dystopian classic The Handmaid’s Tale now reads like a playbook for global repression. “We’re watching democracy erode,” she says, citing far-right movements, attacks on reproductive rights, and the fallout from Trump’s presidency. “January 6 was a blueprint for undoing democracy—and it’s not just America at risk.” Her words strike a chord in India, where press freedom and minority rights face mounting threats.
Banned Books and the Fight for Free Speech
Ironically, The Handmaid’s Tale itself has been banned in schools, joining a surge of U.S. censorship targeting LGBTQ+ and racial justice themes. “Banning books is authoritarianism 101,” Atwood notes. “But history shows suppressed ideas always resurface.” Her stance resonates with Indian writers like Arundhati Roy, who’ve faced similar crackdowns. “Silencing one writer endangers all,” she warns.
‘Burning Questions’: Atwood’s No-Holds-Barred Memoir
Her new essay collection, Burning Questions, spans 2004–2021, blending climate activism, feminist theory, and long-simmering grudges. Atwood names names—from critics who misrepresented her work to former allies who betrayed her. “Why stay quiet now?” she shrugs. The book also revisits controversies like her nuanced #MeToo stance and her feud with Ursula K. Le Guin, proving she’s unafraid to unsettle.
Solidarity with India’s Dissenters
Asked about India’s shrinking free speech, Atwood praises its tradition of bold storytelling—from Tagore to Roy—but condemns state repression. “When governments silence critics, it’s weakness disguised as strength.” Her advice to young writers? “Keep writing. Your words are your power.”
Is There Hope?
Despite her warnings, Atwood finds hope in global resistance: Iran’s women-led protests, youth climate movements, and grassroots activism. “Change happens when people push back,” she says. Her memoir doubles as a call to action: in dark times, dissent and literature are lifelines.
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