Margaret Atwood and Lauren Groff: Historical Fiction as a Lens on Contemporary Issues
In a conversation hosted by TIME, renowned authors Margaret Atwood and Lauren Groff explored the power of historical and futuristic settings to illuminate contemporary issues. Atwood, whose prolific career spans fiction, essays, and poetry, chose 17th-century New England as the backdrop for her latest novel, “The Testaments.” Lauren Groff’s most recent work, “Matrix,” a survivalist novel, is also set in the past.
Both Atwood and Groff emphasized the effectiveness of using historical settings to address present concerns. Groff explained that historical fiction allows writers to provide a “slant” on the present, enabling them to explore modern-day issues without being confined to the rapidly changing present. Atwood concurred, acknowledging the challenge of writing about the present in a constantly evolving world.
The discussion extended to the impact of these works on contemporary society. Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” originally published in 1985, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with its themes of female oppression resonating after the fall of Roe v. Wade. Groff highlighted the growing threat to books and freedom of expression in the United States, particularly in Florida, where book bans have soared.
Groff and her husband are opening a bookstore in Florida, where they have witnessed the state’s aggressive approach to censorship. She drew parallels to Atwood’s work, noting that Florida’s current political climate resembles the Puritan theocracy depicted in “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Groff expressed concern that book bans not only restrict access to literature but also create a climate of fear among educators who may hesitate to teach books that could be challenged.
The authors emphasized the importance of valuing diverse voices and ensuring their representation in literature. Groff stated that the bookstore she and her husband are opening aims to be a “lighthouse” of free expression in the midst of Florida’s censorship efforts. She believes that giving voice to marginalized individuals and reflecting their experiences in books is essential for a just and equitable society.
