Canada’s most iconic author set to appear at Hamilton festival

The woman who is arguably Canada’s most acclaimed and best-known author will spend an hour sharing stories with fans in advance of the gritLIT literary festival in Hamilton.

Novelist and poet Margaret Atwood, 84, will appear at the Theatre Aquarius (190 King William St.) on April 9 to kick off the festival’s 20th run. According to organizers, Atwood will take the stage to share stories about her long-lasting and celebrated career and discuss her latest work, Old Babes in the Wood.

Born in Ottawa in 1939, Atwood has been writing novels, poems, short stories, children’s books, essays, literary criticism and more since 1961. Some of her best-known works include Surfacing (1972), The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) and The Blind Assassin (2000). Many of her pieces have been adapted into films and TV shows, with The Handmaid’s Tale–arguably one of her most famous works–having received operatic treatment in 2000. 

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and Atwood’s talk will begin at 7 p.m. 

Tickets can be purchased here. 

Organizers say guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating and that attendees are welcome to stay after the show to purchase light refreshments at the bar and browse the event’s Epic Books table. 

Atwood will not be participating in book signings at the show for health reasons, organizers say. 

The 2024 gritLIT Readers & Writers Festival will run from April 17-21 and feature readings, panels and interviews that will “offer a view into the minds of some of the most interesting writers working in Canada today.” 

The festival’s website says in-person events will take place at the Homewood Suites by Hilton (40 Bay St. S.), and guests will be able to interact with authors online or during Q&A sessions. 

There will also be special events and writing workshops. 

To learn more, click here.