Burning Questions

Another fantastic collection from Margaret Atwood. This is witty, erudite, wise, wide-ranging and thought-provoking. I liked the chronological presentation - with pieces written over a twenty-year period, it helped give each piece context and, I felt, gave the book an organic feel.

As with any collection of essays, not every piece will appeal equally to every reader, but even as someone who generally prefers fiction and long-form, I have no hesitation in giving this five stars - it earns every one of them.

In conclusion, I want to be Margaret Atwood when I grow up.

I really didn't want to rush this book - I wanted to give time and thought to the wealth of issues raised, questions asked and ideas suggested. From human rights viewed from the perspective of extra-terrestrials, to feminism, to the environment; it is quite a feat to fit everything she discusses into one book. As well as putting into context her own literature, its influences and relevance, she reflects on the impactful work of other writers- from Carson to Le Guin. At times her writing is sophisticated and analytical, at others it is colloquial and incredibly human, both of which are insightful. Atwood's wit and intelligence runs throughout, making it an entertaining read.

Margaret Atwood is incredibly knowledgeable; but importantly: she is wise.

Reading Burning Questions was like meeting up with old friends and meeting new ones. Some of the essays I had read before but most I had not yet come across. Either way, there is so much to think about as you read through this collection. I love how she weaves through her love of Shakespeare, the impact of Orwell's 1984, the experience of having written A Handmaid's Tale and Alias Grace and Hagseed and Oryx and Crake (All of which, I have read) with her deep concern for the state of the world: the environment, equality and abuse of power.

This is a highly readable collection of essays. I will be dipping in and out of what will be a highly treasured collection from one of my favourite authors.

I highly recommend Burning Questions to all who are intrigued by Atwood or the state of the world in general!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.