‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ author Margaret Atwood reflects on real-world threats to freedom

Acclaimed author Margaret Atwood joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the legacy of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the success of Hulu’s adaptation of the 1985 novel, and the “Burning Questions” about democracy, climate change, and human rights at the heart of her new non-fiction collection. As Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine rages on, Atwood suggests the horror of the conflict may change attitudes toward defending democracy in the United States after the nation took “a bit of a breather” from standing up for democratic ideals. Atwood responds to abortion rights activists who adopt costumes from her novel to represent oppression of women and reacts to the reproductive rights case before the Supreme Court that could roll back Roe v. Wade. The writer details her upcoming “Practical Utopias” project that aims to devise solutions to some of the global challenges outlined in her books. She also reflects on her own cameo appearance in Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” series and her interactions with the show’s writers and star. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Stephens Inc., Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Fairweather Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button and Simmons Family Foundation.