Margaret Atwood hits out at Alberta books ban with satirical short story
Handmaid’s Tale author issues satirical response to book ban
- Margaret Atwood's novel, The Handmaid's Tale, has been removed from some school library shelves in Alberta, Canada, following an education ministry order to ban "explicit sexual content".
- Atwood responded to the ban by publishing a satirical short story and urging people to purchase copies of her book before potential "public book burnings".
- The Edmonton Public School Board has already complied with the order, removing over 200 books, including other literary classics such as 1984 and The Colour Purple.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith criticised the Edmonton board's extensive list as "vicious compliance", while the board stated its list met government criteria.
- Academics suggest the new policy, which defines "explicit sexual content" as a "detailed and clear depiction of a sexual act", disproportionately targets books affirming LGBTQ+ identities.