Margaret Atwood Connects Handmaid’s Tale Success to Current Events

Margaret Atwood, the acclaimed author of The Handmaid’s Tale, recently shared her perspective on the reasons behind the enduring popularity of her novel. During an interview with Jon Wertheim on CBS’s 60 Minutes, the 85-year-old author attributed the book’s success not to her own literary prowess but rather to the reflection of real-life issues that resonate with readers today.

Linking Fiction to Reality

The Handmaid’s Tale, published in 1985, has become a significant work in the dystopian genre, earning Atwood numerous accolades. While many fans praise its narrative and characters, Atwood emphasized that its relevance is deeply intertwined with contemporary societal changes. She stated, “It’s not due to me or the excellence of the book. It’s partly in the twists and turns of history.”

Atwood’s comments came in the wake of the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling that had protected the right to abortion since 1973. This reversal ignited widespread protests across the United States, during which demonstrators donned the distinctive red and white costumes of the Handmaids from her novel as a powerful symbol of resistance.

The Impact of Social Movements

Atwood’s assertion highlights how societal movements can influence literature’s impact. She remarked, “Had it been so that none of this ever got enacted, then it would probably be sitting on a shelf somewhere. But it didn’t happen.” The book’s themes of oppression and resistance have gained renewed attention, leading to strong commercial success. To date, The Handmaid’s Tale has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

The novel’s adaptation into a critically acclaimed television series further solidified its cultural significance. Starring Elisabeth Moss, the series premiered in April 2017 and continued for six seasons, concluding with its finale on May 27, 2025. The show garnered multiple Emmy Awards, further enhancing Atwood’s legacy within contemporary media.

Set in a dystopian future, The Handmaid’s Tale portrays a society called Gilead, where women are stripped of their rights and forced into servitude as Handmaids to bear children for elite men. This chilling narrative has become increasingly relevant as discussions about women’s rights and bodily autonomy intensify in various parts of the world.

Atwood’s reflections not only illuminate the connection between fiction and societal issues but also underscore the power of literature to inspire and provoke thought. As her work continues to resonate with audiences, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for rights and freedoms in contemporary society.