Selected Shorts: Bonus Episode – A.M. Holmes Interviews Margaret Atwood

Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Symphony Space
Episode Title: Bonus: A.M. Holmes Interviews Margaret Atwood

In this exclusive bonus episode of Selected Shorts, hosted by Symphony Space, acclaimed novelist A.M. Holmes engages in a profound and insightful conversation with renowned author Margaret Atwood. Recorded live at Symphony Space, the extended interview delves deep into various facets of Atwood's literary journey, her perspectives on feminism, time, dystopian fiction, and the unique Canadian sensibility that influences her work. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Introduction to the Episode and Guests

The episode opens with a brief overview by Margaret Atwood, highlighting the focus on her latest short story collection, Old Babes in the Wood. Atwood introduces the themes explored in the collection, ranging from futuristic visions and whimsical fantasies to realistic depictions of marriage. A poignant mention is made of the story “Widows,” performed by Ellen Burstyn, which revisits characters Nell and Tig through a letter after Tig's demise.

Notable Quote:

“The collection has it all. It explores terrifying futuristic visions, whimsical fantasies, and realistic depictions of marriage.”
— Margaret Atwood [00:48]

2. Exploring Time and Aging

A.M. Holmes initiates the conversation by pondering the concept of time and how it influences both personal experiences and literary narratives. The discussion touches upon how perspectives on time shift with age, allowing individuals to live in multiple temporalities simultaneously.

Notable Quotes:

“So, one way of explaining it, I suppose, is to say that older people remember what it was like to be young.”
— Margaret Atwood [03:11]

“Do you feel, though, in terms of both your lived experience and in your fiction, that the way that you experience and use time, like, I think more and more about time existing and people and experiences sort of on multiple platforms simultaneously, that we can be here and in the past and the future all in the same moment.”
— A.M. Holmes [02:50]

3. International Women’s Day and Handmaid’s Tale Symbolism

The conversation naturally transitions to the significance of The Handmaid's Tale in contemporary feminist movements. Holmes remarks on the global protests where women donned Handmaid costumes, symbolizing solidarity and resistance.

Notable Quotes:

“So, yeah. So, how does it feel to me? Well, smart them, and they're welcome to do it. Be my guest. If it works, then that's what you do.”
— Margaret Atwood [06:21]

“They marched from Westminster to the embassy, and hundreds of women were wearing the Handmaid's costume and carrying photographs of women who'd either been killed or arrested in Iran.”
— A.M. Holmes [05:51]

4. Feminism and Misconceptions

Holmes raises a critical point about common misconceptions surrounding feminism, particularly the stereotype that feminism equates to hatred towards men. She cites examples of feminists who embody respect and love for men while advocating for equality.

Notable Quotes:

“There are 75 different schools of feminism I know which you know. And therefore, one picks a section and the sect that I align myself with... is Equality Now.”
— Margaret Atwood [08:48]

“And they work on laws having to do with girls and women to make the laws themselves more equal.”
— Margaret Atwood [08:48]

5. Canadian Sensibility and National Identity

A substantial portion of the dialogue delves into what constitutes the Canadian sensibility. Atwood elaborates on Canada's vast geography, multiculturalism, and the country's approach to indigenous languages and cultures, contrasting it with neighboring nations.

Notable Quotes:

“Canada is very large in area, and we have an unofficial national song called 'Canada's Really Big'.”
— Margaret Atwood [11:46]

“Canada is multilingual from the get-go. Not just French and English, but 52 spoken indigenous languages.”
— Margaret Atwood [12:29]

6. Writing Dystopian Fiction

The discussion shifts to the prevalence of dystopian themes in contemporary literature. Atwood offers insights into why authors gravitate towards dystopian settings, suggesting it as a means to explore social realism in a veiled manner.

Notable Quotes:

“They're writing that kind of fiction because they're afraid to write social realism.”
— Margaret Atwood [16:31]

“Dystopias are a kind of what if scenario. Like what if things get really quite a lot worse than they are now.”
— Margaret Atwood [16:43]

7. Navigating Writing That Is Scary

Atwood reflects on the challenges of writing narratives that evoke fear, emphasizing the importance of conviction in her creations. She asserts that if a story can captivate and convince the writer, it holds the potential to resonate with readers.

Notable Quotes:

“If it convinces me, I think I probably better keep going.”
— Margaret Atwood [17:47]

“If you're not convinced by it, nobody else is going to be either.”
— Margaret Atwood [17:47]

8. Closing Remarks

The interview concludes with mutual expressions of gratitude, highlighting the profound impact of Atwood's work on both Holmes and the broader literary community.

Notable Quotes:

“My work has made possible my work and the work of many, many people.”
— A.M. Holmes [09:50]

“Thank you. Thank you very much.”
— Margaret Atwood & A.M. Holmes [18:22]

Conclusion

This bonus episode of Selected Shorts offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Margaret Atwood's thoughts and philosophies. Through a rich dialogue with A.M. Holmes, Atwood elucidates her perspectives on time, feminism, national identity, and the essence of dystopian storytelling. Her reflections not only provide a deeper understanding of her literary endeavors but also offer valuable insights applicable to both writers and readers alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “The collection has it all. It explores terrifying futuristic visions, whimsical fantasies, and realistic depictions of marriage.”
  — Margaret Atwood [00:48]

• “Do you feel, though, in terms of both your lived experience and in your fiction, that the way that you experience and use time, like, I think more and more about time existing and people and experiences sort of on multiple platforms simultaneously, that we can be here and in the past and the future all in the same moment.”
  — A.M. Holmes [02:50]

• “So, yeah. So, how does it feel to me? Well, smart them, and they're welcome to do it. Be my guest. If it works, then that's what you do.”
  — Margaret Atwood [06:21]

• “There are 75 different schools of feminism I know which you know. And therefore, one picks a section and the sect that I align myself with... is Equality Now.”
  — Margaret Atwood [08:48]

• “Canada is multilingual from the get-go. Not just French and English, but 52 spoken indigenous languages.”
  — Margaret Atwood [12:29]

• “They're writing that kind of fiction because they're afraid to write social realism.”
  — Margaret Atwood [16:31]

• “If it convinces me, I think I probably better keep going.”
  — Margaret Atwood [17:47]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing both depth and clarity for those who have yet to listen. Margaret Atwood's eloquent discourse offers valuable perspectives that resonate beyond the realm of literature, touching upon societal structures, personal growth, and the enduring power of storytelling.