Author Guide: Margaret Atwood

As the title states, a comprehensive guide to all of atwood's works...

Margaret Atwood has her own Substack you know! If you are new to Atwood and want to get a feel for her voice, I recommend it! She’s incredibly witty and will always put a smile on your face — no matter how dark the topic. Or just scroll through her Twitter (or X, whatever you wish to call it!).. She’s quick and to the point. In sum, she is just incredible! 

This is going to be a long one. So grab a cup of something, take notes and maybe save it for future reference when you are curating a TBR!

 Atwood has written a lot and she has tried every form — even a graphic novel! Now she did not do the drawings, because her own drawings look like this: 

Which personally I would be happy to consume, they just scream Atwood! But I mean an actual graphic novel with a graphic designer and they are pretty cool. 

Anyway, Atwood is one of my favourite authors and I wrote my MA thesis called The Mother-Daughter Battle: Subjectivity, Trauma, and Quasi-Maternal Relationships in Margaret Atwood’s The Robber Bride. So I would consider myself an experienced reader who can provide you with a guide to Margaret Atwood and where to start if you have not read any of her work before — or if you’ve only read the Handmaid’s Tale  but want to venture further into the world of Atwood! Trust me there is something out there for everyone. But first let me give you a little summary of who Atwood is and her background.

Biography 

Atwood has lived many long years and it would be ridiculous to sum up all she has done in a few lines. There are expansive books out there on her biography if you are interested (just give me a nudge and I can give you a list), but let me give you a little overview of who Atwood is and what themes prevail in her novels. 

Margaret Atwood, born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1939, is one of the most celebrated and influential writers of our time. Known for her sharp intellect and imaginative storytelling, she has written across multiple genres, including novels, poetry, short fiction, and essays. Atwood began her literary journey as a poet in the early 1960s but quickly gained international recognition with her novels.

Her writing frequently explores themes of gender dynamics, power structures, environmental concerns, and dystopian futures, often reflecting a deep awareness of societal and political issues. It is hard, however, to define Atwood as a feminist or what her feminism is, even if it cannot be categorised.

In addition to her fiction, Atwood is a respected voice in literary criticism and environmental advocacy. Her nonfiction works engage with politics, feminism, and the art of writing, offering insightful reflections on the world we live in.

Throughout her career, Atwood has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Booker Prize. Even after decades of writing, she continues to push boundaries, staying timeless and deeply influential in both literature and public discourse.

The Works

As previously mentioned, Atwood has dabbled with pretty much every form of writing and genre. Whether you just want to scroll her Substack or pick up a novel, there will be something for you to read. I’ll start with the novels, in chronological order, and then go onto the other forms. Just scroll until you find your interest (because this is 6000 words long so I don’t expect you to read every word!) 

Novels

The Edible Woman (1969)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

The Edible Woman is an exceptional debut novel by Margaret Atwood, blending sharp wit with a profound exploration of identity and societal expectations. It follows Marian McAlpin, a young woman who begins to feel increasingly disconnected from herself as she prepares for marriage. As the pressures of conforming to traditional female roles mount, she finds herself unable to eat, her body rebelling against the life she's expected to lead. Atwood brilliantly captures the struggles of women in the 1960s, using Marian's experience as a metaphor for consumption, autonomy, and resistance in a male-dominated world. 

Atwood’s distinct witty voice is already present in this book, and if you’re new to Atwood this novel would be a great place to start, to track her skill and wit. Despite it being over 50 years old, I can promise that it’s just as easy to read as any novel published today — probably even easier. And I will say that for each of Atwood’s novels. Her prose is simple but full of meaning. 

Surfacing (1972)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

Surfacing is perhaps my favourite Atwood novel. There is a lot to unpack in this novel and it would be a great one to read for those who are interested in psychology or Freud — because you know, surfacing! 

This is a haunting, introspective novel about a woman’s journey to reconnect with her past. The unnamed protagonist returns to her remote childhood home in search of her missing father, accompanied by friends and her lover. As she delves deeper into the wilderness, she confronts buried memories and unresolved trauma, leading to a psychological unravelling. The novel explores themes of identity, alienation, and the divide between civilisation and nature. Through vivid imagery and internal monologue, Atwood creates a powerful narrative about self-discovery and the emotional toll of modern society.

It is here you see Atwood’s love for rural Canada and nature. The cold and crisp outdoors where she was raised. The novel also touches on abusive relationships and friendships that are not as strong as you think. It’s a must read for anyone interested in dissecting relationships of any sort. 

Lady Oracle (1976)

My rating: 3.5/5.0

Lady Oracle is a darkly comic exploration of identity and reinvention. I would say this is a novel where Atwood solidifies her voice and her niche. She perfectly balances the weird and spooky with the wit. 

The novel follows Joan Foster, a writer of gothic romance novels, who has spent her life reinventing herself to escape her troubled past. After faking her own death to flee an unsustainable web of lies, Joan reflects on her childhood, her struggles with body image, and her complex relationships. Throughout, she grapples with the pressure to conform to societal expectations while maintaining her true self. Atwood blends satire, fantasy, and mystery, creating a sharp, multilayered story about the masks we wear and the cost of escapism.

In some ways the novel kind of sounds like that of Atwood, but I have found it hard to ever get a glimpse of Atwood’s life in her novels. They are simply not very autobiographical. 

Life Before Man (1979)

My rating: 3.0/5.0

Life Before Man is a deeply nuanced novel about three intertwined lives, exploring the complexities of human relationships and emotional survival. Atwood’s novels are packed with the concept of survival, emotional and physical, and she often used female relationships to demonstrate women overcoming such struggles.  

The story centres around Elizabeth, her husband Nate, and his lover Lesje, all trapped in unsatisfying relationships. Each character struggles with their own sense of isolation, guilt, and longing, while grappling with the expectations placed upon them. Atwood masterfully portrays the internal battles they face, blending themes of love, loss, and existential dread. It's a reflective, intricate look at how people navigate personal crises in a world that often feels indifferent to their pain.

Bodily Harm (1981) 

My rating: 4.0/5.0

The novel follows Rennie Wilford, a journalist recovering from breast cancer and a recent breakup, who escapes to a Caribbean island to regain control of her life. What starts as a retreat turns into a political nightmare as Rennie becomes entangled in local unrest. Confronted by violence, corruption, and her own vulnerabilities, she is forced to face the physical and emotional scars she has long avoided. Atwood skilfully examines themes of power, control, and the female body, exploring how trauma shapes identity in a world where personal safety can never be fully guaranteed.

Bodily Harm is like no other novel, I believe, that Atwood has ever written. It’s shockingly violent and active, if that makes sense. I find Atwood’s writing to be quite zoomed out and reflective, but this one is more action packed. 

The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) 

My rating: 4.0/5.0

Now if you have read any of Atwood’s novels it is probably this one! And I will say it’s not my favourite (I hated it at first) and it does not accurately capture Atwood’s voice. Because of the nature of the book, Atwood has to tone down her narrative style to have the impact she truly wishes the novel to have. That’s not to say it’s not a good book (it is, although the prose can be jaunty due to the lack of speech marks), but don’t dismiss Atwood as a writer just because of this novel!

If you have not picked up this novel, or seen the show, here’s a summary: it’s a chilling dystopian novel set in the totalitarian society of Gilead, where women’s rights are stripped away. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid whose sole purpose is to bear children for the ruling elite. Living under constant surveillance and repression, she reflects on her past life, longing for freedom and autonomy. Through Offred’s eyes, Atwood explores themes of gender oppression, power, and resistance. The novel is a powerful critique of patriarchy and the dangers of extremist ideologies, highlighting the fragile nature of rights and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.

Now like I said, don’t feel like this is the place to start with Atwood — because it’s not a true representation of what she can write. And to be honest, I actually prefer The Testaments to this one. But this is not a rambly essay about the two so I’ll stop here (if you’re interested in a full review of the two let me know!) 

Cat’s Eye (1988)

My rating: 3.0/5.0

Atwood moves away from older protagonists here to children — on growing up and being an outcast. It’s all about childhood friendships, fallouts and bullying. And of course my favourite; mother and daughters. 

It's a poignant exploration of memory, friendship, and self-identity. The novel follows Elaine Risley, a successful artist, as she returns to her hometown of Toronto for a retrospective of her work. This trip triggers memories of her childhood, particularly her complex and toxic friendship with Cordelia, a girl who bullied her. As Elaine reflects on her past, she confronts the lingering effects of trauma, betrayal, and the power dynamics of female relationships. Atwood’s novel masterfully delves into the emotional scars of growing up, capturing how the past shapes one’s sense of self and perspective.

The reason I did not give this one a higher rating was because it was a little too chaotic for me, the themes were right up my street but it did not pack the punch the same way the next novel did!

The Robber Bride (1993)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

This book has a special place in my heart. I adored it when I first read it and now it’s the star of my MA thesis. This is probably one of Atwood’s least read and studied novels and I DEMAND YOU READ IT NOW! It’s incredible. The structure is chef’s kiss and the dissection of mother-daughter relationships is spot on! 

This is a darkly humorous novel that explores the lives of three women—Roz, Charis, and Tony—who are bound together by their shared betrayal by Zenia, a charismatic and manipulative woman who wreaks havoc in their personal lives. Zenia, who embodies deception and seduction, steals their men and disrupts their friendships, leaving emotional wreckage in her wake. The novel shifts between past and present as the women recount their stories and confront the lasting impact of Zenia's actions. Atwood examines themes of power, female rivalry, and the blurred lines between victimhood and complicity.

If you pick any novel from this list MAKE IT THIS ONE! I’m joking, but I just wish more people would read this masterpiece! 

Alias Grace (1996)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

Alias Grace is another of Atwood’s novels adapted to the screen and you may have seen it on Netflix (it’s a good adaptation!). Atwood herself adapted the story from history. The novel is a testament to Atwood’s dedication to research and bringing history back to life. If you like historical fiction and psychology then this one might be a good one to try. 

Alias Grace is a historical novel based on the real-life story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant and convicted murderer in 19th-century Canada. The novel alternates between Grace’s perspective and that of Dr. Simon Jordan, a psychologist who is studying her case to determine whether she is guilty or insane. Grace was accused of killing her employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery, but her role in the crime remains ambiguous. Through intricate storytelling, Atwood explores themes of memory, truth, gender roles, and class, blurring the lines between innocence and guilt in a patriarchal society.

The Blind Assassin (2000) 

My rating: 5.0/5.0

If you don’t like thick books then this might not be for you, but another great novel that floats back to the past!

The Blind Assassin weaves a rich tapestry of narrative layers, blending the present with the past. The novel follows Iris Chase, an elderly woman reflecting on her life, her troubled marriage, and her estranged sister Laura. The story unfolds through Iris’s memoirs, her troubled memories, and a mysterious novel written by Laura, which mirrors their own lives. Atwood interlaces themes of family secrets, betrayal, and the search for identity, using the novel within a novel to deepen the exploration of the characters' complexities and the impact of their hidden histories on their present lives.

Oryx and Crake (2003)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

Atwood goes back to dystopian /sci-fi here, and I’m glad she did! Oryx and Crake had me disturbed but the novel also held Atwood’s tone unlike The Handmaid’s Tale. It was also the first time in an Atwood novel I felt drawn to the characters, to young Oryx’s mental state. 

This is a speculative novel set in a dystopian future where genetic engineering and corporate control have led to societal collapse. The story follows Snowman, who reflects on his past while surviving in a world devastated by a bioengineered plague. Snowman recounts his relationships with two key figures: Crake, a brilliant but morally ambiguous scientist who engineered the plague, and Oryx, a mysterious and enigmatic woman who was both Snowman’s love and Crake’s muse. Through Snowman’s memories, Atwood explores themes of humanity, ethics, and the consequences of scientific hubris in a world where nature and technology collide.

This is also a trilogy and if you are more a fantasy/dystopian/sci-fi series lover then you also have The Year of the Flood (2009) and MaddAddam (2013) to go along with it! 

The Penelopiad (2005)

My rating: 3.0/5.0

As I said before Atwood is well researched and there are classic Greek myths weaved throughout all her works but this is the first time she has written a retelling of a classic. 

This is a  retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope, Odysseus’s wife. The novel reimagines Penelope’s life while her husband is away on his epic journey. Narrated by Penelope from the afterlife, it offers a fresh, feminist take on her story, delving into her experiences of waiting, managing the household, and dealing with the suitors who crowd her palace. Through Penelope’s voice, Atwood provides insight into the lives of the twelve maids who were hanged upon Odysseus’s return, exploring themes of power, gender, and the complexity of myth.

It’s highly accessible and like a lot of retellings that are being published today! 

The Heart Goes Last (2015)

My rating: 3.0/5.0

This is, in my opinion, Atwood’s worst novel. The writing is poor and it just does not sound like Atwood. At first I was excited to read another one of her dystopias but there was just something wrong with it — too commercial I suppose. 

In sum it is a dystopian novel set in a future where economic collapse has led to widespread social upheaval. The story follows Stan and Charmaine, a married couple struggling to survive in a world plagued by crime and instability. They join a unique social experiment where participants alternate between living in a luxurious community and working as prison inmates. As Stan and Charmaine navigate their new reality, they face ethical dilemmas, personal betrayals, and the moral costs of their choices. Atwood explores themes of control, freedom, and the impact of economic desperation on human relationships and morality.

The themes are there but it was just not executed right.

Hag-Seed (2016)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

Hag-Seed on the other hand is an incredible modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. I’m not even sure how someone can retell The Tempest, but Atwood does it incredibly well. 

The novel follows Felix Phillips, a theatre director who is ousted from his position and exiled. He plans a revengeful comeback by staging a production of The Tempest in a local prison. As Felix directs the inmates in the play, he uses the production as a way to orchestrate his own form of justice and redemption. Atwood's novel blends elements of Shakespearean drama with contemporary themes, exploring issues of power, forgiveness, and the transformative power of art within the confines of a prison setting.

I would recommend having read, and perhaps studied The Tempest, before reading this one!

The Testament (2019)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

This is Atwood’s most recent release — no new novel in 5 years! But she’s getting on so I understand! I had fears about this one. The Handmaid’s Tale had just become popular again with the show and the news at the time, so I thought that perhaps it was just to make more money out of it all but I was pleasantly surprised. Like I previously said, I like The Testaments more than The Handmaid's Tale. 

I like the narrative style, the multiple perspectives and found it interesting that Atwood gave a voice to Aunt Lydia — a mis-understood character in my opinion. It’s a more modern and refreshing novel but still dwells on similar themes, as well as giving ode to the narrative style of the original. 

The sequel is set 15 years after the events of the original novel. The story unfolds through the perspectives of three women: Aunt Lydia, a high-ranking official in the theocratic regime of Gilead; Agnes Jemima, a young woman raised in Gilead who is eager to escape; and Daisy, a teenager living in Canada who learns about her connection to Gilead. Through their narratives, Atwood explores themes of resistance, power, and the quest for freedom. The novel provides insight into the inner workings of Gilead and the impact of its oppressive regime on individuals.

Short Fiction

Atwood has released several collections of short fiction. Although I'm not typically a fan of short stories—they often feel too insubstantial for my taste—there are a few pieces in her collections that I found quite engaging. I won’t be rating short story collections because some stories are better than others and it’s hard to find an average. But I will give an overall summary of the themes in these collections so you can find what collection may best suit your interests. 

Dancing Girls (1977 )

This is Atwood’s first collection of short stories that deals with themes of isolation, identity, and human relationships. The characters in these stories are often outsiders, grappling with feelings of alienation and the complexities of their own desires. Atwood examines the emotional distance between individuals, whether through failed romantic relationships, cultural displacement, or the clash of expectations versus reality.

With her signature sharp prose and psychological insight, the stories in this collection  highlights  the fragility of human connections and the often-overlooked tensions in everyday life, revealing the subtle and unsettling undercurrents beneath the surface of ordinary existence.

Murder in the Dark (1983)

This is where the darker Atwood begins to come out. In this collection, we find a blend of fiction, memoir, and commentary. These brief, often experimental works explore themes of storytelling, perception, and power. Atwood plays with language, using her sharp wit to deconstruct the nature of writing and the relationship between author, reader, and narrative.

The pieces range from reflective and philosophical to darkly humorous, often examining the blurred lines between reality and fiction. For those who are interested in philosophy, here Atwood will invite  you to question the truths we accept and challenge the conventions of traditional storytelling.

Bluebeard’s Egg (1983)

The title story, inspired by the Bluebeard fairy tale, explores themes of trust and betrayal within a marriage, reflecting Atwood’s recurring focus on the hidden tensions in everyday life. Throughout the collection, Atwood examines the inner lives of her characters—often women—who navigate emotional landscapes marked by vulnerability, confusion, and discovery.

With her characteristic insight and wit, Atwood reveals the fragility of human connections and the subtle ways in which people mask their true selves.

Wilderness Tips (1991)

In the short stories we find Atwood’s love for nature. In these ten stories we find themes of nostalgia, power dynamics, and the clash between nature and civilisation. The stories often centre around characters confronting the complexities of ageing, personal growth, and the disconnect between the past and present.

Atwood captures moments of tension and unease in seemingly ordinary lives, revealing the hidden emotional and psychological undercurrents that shape her characters' choices. The stories are laced with dark humour and sharp social commentary, focusing on human relationships and survival in a rapidly changing world.

Good Bones (1992)

Good Bones is a collection of short prose pieces that are part stories, part essays, and part parables. Atwood uses this format to explore themes such as gender roles, storytelling, and human nature. Each piece is brief but packed with wit, irony, and reflection. Atwood plays with language and form, often flipping conventional narratives on their heads, offering new perspectives on familiar stories, fairy tales, and societal norms.

The collection showcases her ability to blend humour with serious commentary on contemporary issues. I would say that out of all the collections, this one is probably my favourite collection. 

The Tent (2006)

Another nature collection. Here Atwood addresses themes of survival, environmental degradation, and the nature of storytelling itself. Through a series of brief, often surreal narratives, she examines the fragility of modern existence and the persistent human need to find meaning in a chaotic world.

The collection is introspective and imaginative, offering both biting satire and poignant meditations on life.

Moral Disorder (2006)  

Moral Disorder is a series of interconnected stories that follow the life of a woman named Nell, exploring her relationships with her family, partner, and the world around her. The collection spans several decades, chronicling Nell's journey from childhood to adulthood, and delves into themes of domesticity, change, and personal responsibility.

Atwood carefully portrays the quiet struggles and joys of everyday life, offering insight into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of memory on one's sense of identity. This is also a great collection and I’m always impressed by those who can weave short ties into one another and create a bigger picture! 

Stone Mattress: Nine Tales (2014)

This is a collection of nine darkly comic and often macabre tales, exploring themes of ageing, revenge, and the darker sides of human nature. You find as you make your way through Atwood’s works she is more concerned with age and the finite nature of life.

The characters in this collection—many of them older and reflecting on their pasts—find themselves in situations where they must confront long-buried truths, unresolved conflicts, or personal transformation. Blending fantasy, realism, and a touch of gothic, Atwood infuses these stories with her trademark wit and sharp observations on morality and mortality.

Old Babes in the Wood (2023)

This is Atwood’s most recent collection and zooms back in on Atwood’s love for classic fairy tales. It is also a collection on ageing, memory, and the complexities of long-term relationships, particularly in the context of grief and loss. The stories span a range of themes, from personal reflection to social and political commentary, with Atwood’s signature mix of humour, insight, and emotional depth. Many stories explore how time shapes our understanding of love, family, and identity. This collection offers a deeply poignant and introspective look at life's later stages.

Graphic Novels

Graphic Novels, as I previously mentioned, was not what I had on the card for Atwood. But she is an incredibly visual person, and with her love for sci-fi and dystopias it just works. If you love a graphic novel, I recommend giving one of these a try! 

Angel Catbird (2016) and Angel Catbird, Vols 2 & 3 (2017) 

This is a graphic novel trilogy by Margaret Atwood and art by Johnnie Chistmas, blending action, humour, and environmental advocacy. The story follows Strig Feleedus, a young genetic engineer who, after a lab accident, is transformed into a hybrid creature—part human, part cat, and part owl. As Angel Catbird, he discovers a hidden world of animal hybrids and becomes involved in their fight to protect their kind from an evil rat army, led by the villainous Dr. Muroid. It explores all of Atwood’s most pressing themes and concerns: identity, environmental conservation, and the ethical treatment of animals, all delivered with Atwood's signature wit and inventive storytelling.

It is truly impressive how she can still maintain her signature writing style in just few words and images!

War Bears, Vol. 1 – 3 (2018)

War Bears is set during World War II, focusing on the life of Al Zurakowski, a young comic book artist in 1940s Canada. Al creates Oursonette, a patriotic superheroine who fights against the Nazis, reflecting the era's wartime propaganda. As Al struggles to gain recognition in the competitive comic book industry, the story explores his creative ambitions and the challenges he faces during a time of national conflict and economic strain. Atwood combines themes of artistic integrity, patriotism, and the harsh realities of war, offering a layered narrative about creativity and survival in difficult times.

Poetry

Atwood started her career with poetry and has consistently returned to it, even weaving poetic elements into her novels. While I’m not a big poetry reader—I find it challenging to read but enjoy analysing it—I've listed Atwood’s poetry collections below. Among them, Dearly stands out as my favourite. It's a poignant tribute to her late husband, Graham, and reflects on ageing. It’s especially moving because Atwood feels timeless to me, and I can’t imagine a world without her. I hope you feel the same way when reading one of these collections. 

The Circle Game (1964) 

Atwood's first poetry collection explores themes of childhood, identity, and the passage of time. These poems blend sharp observation with rich metaphor, reflecting on human relationships, isolation, and the cycles of life.

The Animals in That Country (1969)

This collection looks at the often harsh relationship between humans and the natural world. Atwood uses animal imagery to explore themes of survival, dominance, and the blurred lines between civilisation and wilderness.

The Journals of Susanna Moodie (1970)

Inspired by the real-life diaries of 19th-century Canadian settler Susanna Moodie, these poems explore the immigrant experience and the psychological dislocation of adapting to a new, untamed land. Atwood reflects on Moodie’s emotional and physical struggles in the Canadian wilderness.

Procedures for Underground (1970)

In this collection, Atwood delves into the subconscious, examining fear, loss, and emotional trauma. The poems focus on themes of mortality, buried emotions, and the darker aspects of human experience.

Power Politics (1971) 

Power Politics is a powerful and biting collection that explores themes of personal and political power, focusing on relationships, manipulation, and control. Atwood’s sharp, precise language confronts issues of gender, power dynamics, and emotional vulnerability.

You Are Happy (1974)  

This collection reflects on happiness and disillusionment in the face of political and personal turmoil. Atwood examines how love, identity, and satisfaction interact with feelings of alienation and powerlessness in a chaotic world.

Selected Poems (1976)  

A compilation of Atwood’s early poetry, Selected Poems brings together her work from 1965 to 1975, highlighting recurring themes of identity, nature, survival, and the tension between civilisation and wilderness.

Selected Poems, (1965-1975 1976)

Another compilation from Atwood’s early years, this collection includes poems from various earlier works, focusing on her explorations of human relationships, gender politics, and the power struggles inherent in everyday life.

Two-Headed Poems (1978)  

This collection blends personal and political themes, exploring dualities like love and hate, civilisation and wilderness, and the individual versus society. Atwood uses metaphor to explore the complexity of human experience, particularly in relation to gender and power.

True Stories (1981)  

True Stories is a collection of poems that engage with historical and political events. Atwood addresses themes of violence, injustice, and the lies we tell ourselves to survive, while also examining how stories shape identity and understanding.

Interlunar (1984) 

In Interlunar, Atwood uses mythological and natural imagery to explore themes of darkness and transformation. These poems examine the power of storytelling, the unknown, and the boundary between reality and myth.

Selected Poems II: Poems Selected and New, (1976-1986 1987)  

This collection brings together works from Atwood's post-1976 output, focusing on themes of human nature, environmental destruction, and personal growth. The poems reflect her evolving voice, blending personal reflection with political insight.

Selected Poems (1966-1984 1990)  

A compilation that spans nearly two decades, this collection showcases Atwood’s growth as a poet, exploring recurring themes of survival, power, and the tension between the natural world and human constructs.

Margaret Atwood Poems (1976-1986 1991)  

This selection features poems from the previous decade, reflecting Atwood’s ongoing engagement with the personal and political. The poems are sharp, often critical, and reflect on the human condition and the state of the world during that era.

Morning in the Burned House (1995)  

As previously mentioned her older works reflect on getting older, loss and grief.. The poems are deeply introspective, dealing with personal themes such as the death of loved ones and the passage of time, while also maintaining Atwood’s characteristic sharpness.

Eating Fire: Selected Poetry (1965-1995 1998)  

This collection spans 30 years of Atwood’s poetry, offering a comprehensive look at her evolving voice. They’re good to dip in and out of, or to get a picture of Atwood’s writing career.

The Door (2007)  

The Door is a another collection filled with introspection, focusing on ageing, death, memory, and the nature of existence. Atwood balances the personal with the universal, offering sharp, reflective poems that question identity, the passage of time, and the process of writing.

Dearly (2020) 

And finally Dearly. A very dear collection indeed. It is a moving meditation on love, loss, and mortality. Written after the death of her long-time partner, the poems reflect on grief, ageing, and the fragility of life, all with Atwood’s characteristic wit and insight. It is a deeply personal collection, filled with melancholy and beauty.

Non-Fiction

Atwood is not only a novelist but also a researcher, and her prose is as compelling as her fiction. Her nonfiction covers a wide range of topics, from experiences of the Canadian outdoors to writing, political critique, and societal issues. Her collections feature essays on various subjects, often compiled from works previously published online or in journals. These collections are typically released in book form every five to ten years, so you should be able to find some of her essays available online!

Survival: A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature (1972)

Survival is a critical analysis of Canadian literature, examining recurring themes and preoccupations within the field. Atwood explores how Canadian authors address concepts of survival, identity, and the harsh realities of the Canadian environment. The book outlines thematic patterns in Canadian writing, including the struggle for identity and the impact of the natural world on the human experience, offering a comprehensive look at the narrative and thematic concerns that define Canadian literary tradition. 

I used this a ton for my MA thesis, and it’s actually an enjoyable read. While it does provide a critical examination of literature, it’s also engaging and informative. Canadian literature often gets lumped with US literature and it’s important to see them as two distinct things. 

Days of the Rebels (1815-1840 1977)

Days of the Rebels provides a historical account of the Canadian rebellions of 1837-1838, exploring the political and social turmoil of the period. Atwood delves into the lives of the key figures involved, the motivations behind the uprisings, and the impact of these events on Canadian society. The book offers a detailed look at the struggles for political reform and the conflicts that shaped early Canadian history.

Second Words: Selected Critical Prose (1982) 

Second Words is a collection of Atwood’s critical essays and prose, showcasing her insights on literature, feminism, and cultural issues. The essays cover a range of topics, from literary analysis to reflections on contemporary social issues, revealing Atwood’s sharp observations and intellectual engagement with the world of writing and beyond.

I personally love her literary analyses, it’s interesting to see how she thinks and how these works could have influenced her own. 

Strange Things: The Malevolent North in Canadian Literature (1995)

Another piece that focuses on her roots. But seeing as no one else is doing it, Atwood must! This time it is a depiction of the North in Canadian literature, focusing on how the region is portrayed as a place of danger, mystery, and malevolence. Atwood examines the symbolic and thematic roles that the North plays in the works of various Canadian authors, highlighting how it reflects fears, challenges, and the darker aspects of the human psyche.  

Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing (2002)

If you are interested in reading about how Atwood writes, this is the book. It’s a writer on writing. She reflects on the nature of writing and the writer's role. She explores the relationship between writers and their readers, the creative process, and the existential questions that surround the act of writing. Through a series of essays, Atwood provides a thoughtful and introspective look at the art and challenges of being a writer.

Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth (2008)

Payback examines the concept of debt from historical, economic, and cultural perspectives. Atwood explores how debt and wealth shape human behaviour and societal structures, reflecting on the moral and psychological implications of financial obligations. The book delves into the darker side of economic transactions and the impact of debt on individuals and societies.

In Other World: SF and the Human Imagination (2008)

In Other Worlds explores the genre of science fiction and its role in shaping human imagination. Atwood examines the history and evolution of science fiction, discussing its themes, conventions, and impact on both literature and society. The book offers Atwood’s reflections on the genre and its potential for exploring speculative and imaginative concepts.

Other collections of Atwood’s essays/reviews from over the years include: 

• Moving Targets: Writing with Intent (1982-2004 2004)

• Writing with Intent: Essays, Reviews, Personal Prose (1983-2005 2005)  

• Burning Questions: Essays & Occasional Pieces (2004 – 2021 2022)  

These are just random collections really that I would recommend picking and choosing from. And you can find a lot of them online if you don’t want to get the whole book! 

Conclusion 

Deep breath. We’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide to Margaret Atwood’s remarkable oeuvre. I’m exhausted just from writing about her extensive body of work, and it’s astounding to think about how Atwood herself has managed to produce such an impressive volume of writing. 

Her ability to continuously generate profound, thought-provoking, and diverse content is nothing short of extraordinary. From her groundbreaking novels and evocative poetry to her incisive critical essays, Atwood's output reflects a relentless creativity and intellectual vigour that continues to captivate and challenge readers worldwide. Her literary achievements are truly a testament to her extraordinary talent.

Please do let me know if you decide to read any of these works, or if you’ve already read them and have thoughts to share. Despite Atwood’s immense fame, she doesn’t always seem to get as much online discussion as you might expect!