Margaret Atwood talks The Testaments and its modern-day relevance
Margaret Atwood is best known for The Handmaid’s Tale, but it’s beginning to look like the novel’s sequel will drum up just as much love as the original.
It’s been a busy month for Margaret Atwood, whose The Handmaid’s Tale sequel, The Testaments, hits shelves today. And although the original novel will be a tough one to top, The Testaments is already drumming up plenty of love from critics. Just last week, it was announced that the novel has found its way onto this year’s Booker Award shortlist, a prestigious accomplishment for any work of literature.
In addition to being nominated for literary awards, the The Testaments is also getting attention from Hulu and MGM Television. Reportedly, the follow-up to Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale series is already in the works, with plans to incorporate elements of the new story into the one the network is currently telling with its other series.
And with so much hype surrounding The Testament‘s release, it’s likely we’ll be hearing a lot from Margaret Atwood in the coming months. The author has already been sitting down to discuss her latest story with the press, most recently on CBS Sunday Morning. And although the author revealed that The Testaments contains a bit more hope than The Handmaid’s Tale does, she admitted that both novels are still incredibly relevant.
Watch Atwood’s interview on CBS Sunday Morning here:
When asked why she felt the need to tell the story of The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood gave a chilling but understandable answer. “I have never believed it can’t happen here,” the author revealed. “I’ve never believed that. And more and more people are joining me in that lack of belief.” Of course, given how many protesters have taken to the streets in Handmaid attire over the past few years, she’s completely right about that last part.
Atwood was also asked for details about what to expect from the second novel, and she explained, “We know from book one that Gilead ends, but we don’t know how. We’re a little closer to knowing how.” The author also confirmed that there will be “tons and tons of hope” in the sequel, something that was admittedly lacking in the original novel.
Overall, it sounds like The Testaments will add some much needed context to the ending of The Handmaid’s Tale, even if it picks up years after the first book’s events. The story hits shelves today, and it doesn’t sound like one any reader should miss out on.
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