Margaret Atwood shared her thoughts on the current state of language and expression, stating she can’t recall a time when words felt so threatened. In her acceptance speech for the Freedom to Publish award at the British Book Awards, she noted, “Words are, in a sense, our first human technology, much like water, and yet they possess remarkable power.” Atwood, who is 85, emphasized that the political and religious divisions we thought were decreasing have surprisingly intensified in the last decade, making the world seem reminiscent of the 1930s and 40s rather than today.
The UK Book Awards, often referred to as the Nibbies, are a collection of honors recognizing authors, illustrators, and industry experts, presented by the publishing magazine The Bookseller. Other notable awards given during the ceremony included one for Percival Everett for his novel “James” and another awarded to Alexei Navalny’s “Patriot,” accepted by his widow, Julia Navalnaya. She remarked, “Receiving this award from the community underscores the strength of Alexei’s voice. We must remember that truth matters and that words can truly reach our hearts and break through barriers.”
Even though Atwood did not attend the London event, she sent a video acceptance for the Freedom on Censorship award given by the Index of the Freedom of Expression Campaign Organization.
At the start of her speech, Atwood expressed feeling “more than honored” to receive the award, even while admitting to some confusion. She remarked, “Unlike many writers and publishers before me, I’ve never been imprisoned for my work. However, if I consider moving to the US soon, that statistic might change.” She reflected on her six-decade career as a writer, mentioning her past experiences with small presses and the dangers of publishing during the Soviet era when Samizdat – underground publishing – was perilous.
Atwood is the fourth recipient of the Freedom to Publish award, recognizing individuals who show exceptional courage in the face of censorship. Previous winners include Salman Rushdie and Arabella Pike of HarperCollins for their support of authors battling legal challenges from powerful figures.
Philip Jones, bookstore editor and chair of the British Book Awards judges, commented on the current climate writers face, stating that they are pressured and threatened in ways that should belong to the past. He emphasized that Atwood and her works stand firmly against these challenges.
Her novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which portrays a dystopian society where women are compelled to bear children, frequently faces challenges and bans in the US. In 2022, Atwood released an “unburnable” edition of her famous book as a symbol against censorship. According to Jemima Steinfeld, CEO of the Index of Censorship, Atwood confronts oppression with creativity, clarity, and without fear.
