Whether you've been a reader of her writing over the course of her illustrious career or were introduced to her work through a current television adaptation of one of her novels, here's a date to take note of, as one of Canada’s preeminent literary talents will appear in conversation at an event to be held in Vancouver this autumn.  

The Vancouver Writers Festival announced today (May 7) that it will be presenting Toronto author Margaret Atwood at a reading and on-stage discussion of her forthcoming book The Testaments at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Road, UBC) at 7:30 p.m. on September 26.

The Testaments is the sequel to the 1985 dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale, which was adapted into a series that premiered in April 2017. The third season of the TV series is set to be released on June 5.  

This long-awaited sequel, which will feature three female narrators and will address issues of women's rights and female empowerment, is set to take place 15 years after the final scene in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Atwood is the author of over 40 books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

Her novels include Alias Grace, The Blind Assassin, Cat’s Eye, Oryx and Crake, and MaddAddam.

Among the numerous awards and honours she has garnered, she has received the Man Booker Prize, the Governor General’s Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the National Book Critics Lifetime Achievement Award, and more. She is also a founder of the Writers’ Trust of Canada and the Griffin Poetry Prize.

To be notified when tickets for the Vancouver Writers Festival event go on sale, visit the VWF website.

After Vancouver, Atwood will continue on her cross-Canada tour, appearing at the University of Victoria the day after (September 27).

The 2019 Vancouver Writers Festival is scheduled to take place from October 21 to 27.

The Testaments is scheduled to be released on September 10.

Atwood, during a tour of the U.K. and Ireland, will appear in conversation at the National Theatre in London with broadcaster and author Samira Ahmed on the day of the book release, which will be broadcast to cinemas internationally.

In Metro Vancouver and B.C., the U.K. event, which will also feature readings by special guests, will be viewable at participating Cineplex Theatres. For locations and tickets, visit the Margaret Atwood Live in Cinemas website.