Margaret Atwood has long been a literary titan, and her words continue to resonate with every generation. Her landmark novel The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) was adapted into a fifteen-time Emmy Award-winning television series, and its sequel, The Testaments, won the 2019 Booker Prize. Her New York Times bestselling memoir, Book of Lives, recounts the life of one of the greatest storytellers of our time, unveiling both the workings of a once-in-a-generation imagination and the connections between real life and art. In talks, Atwood reveals hidden truths in our societies, inspiring us to speak out against injustice and preparing us for the battle ahead. Today, her sharp eye and characteristic wit are more crucial—and prescient—than ever.

The discussion will be moderated by Ann Dowd ’78 P20 whose portrayal of Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid’s Tale, won her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. The sequel, The Testaments, again starring Ann Dowd, has been adapted for screen and is scheduled to premiere on Hulu in April 2026.