MARGARET ATWOOD, author of more than 60 books in almost every conceivable

genre and recipient of more than 100 literary prizes from around the world, is a

global icon. Like Kafka and Orwell before her, she and her writing have become

part of the public discourse, wherever we live and whatever our age. Atwood’s

intelligence is that vital and exacting, her wit that mischievous, her concerns—

from birds to the human condition, from environmentalism to feminism, from the

lessons of history to social justice—that urgently relevant. She has quoted a Polish

resistance fighter from the Second World War who once told her: “Pray that you will

never have the occasion to be a hero.” As it has turned out, Atwood has indeed had

the occasion, not just once, and never has she failed to rise to its challenges. She is

our hero. After receiving the 2024 SVWC Writer in the World Prize, Atwood will talk

to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer AYAD AKHTAR about her life, her work, and some of

the many wonders and terrors of the world we are living in.