Story perspectives

Margaret Atwood Battles Heart Condition, Remains Literary Force

11/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Margaret Atwood, the 85-year-old author of The Handmaid's Tale, reveals she has galloping atrial fibrillation, a heart condition causing severe irregular heartbeats.
She describes how this condition affects her daily life and public appearances.
Despite health challenges, she remains active in her literary career and has a cameo in the TV adaptation.
Atwood's work has earned multiple awards, and she reflects on the impact of writing in today’s society.

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Story summary

Margaret Atwood, the 85-year-old author of The Handmaid's Tale, reveals she has galloping atrial fibrillation, a heart condition causing severe irregular heartbeats.
She describes how this condition affects her daily life and public appearances.
Despite health challenges, she remains active in her literary career and has a cameo in the TV adaptation.
Atwood's work has earned multiple awards, and she reflects on the impact of writing in today’s society.