'If I was American, I'd be worried about my country': Margaret Atwood answers questions from Ai Weiwei, Rebecca Solnit a

[cbabe]

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/29/if-i-was-american-id-be-worried-about-my-country-margaret-atwood-answers-questions-from-ai-weiwei-rebecca-solnit-and-more

‘If I was American, I’d be worried about my country’: Margaret Atwood answers questions from Ai Weiwei, Rebecca Solnit and more

Introduction by Lisa Allardice
Democracy, birds and hangover cures – famous fans put their questions to the visionary author

Lisa Allardice
Sat 29 Nov 2025 04.00 EST

…

It’s a bit like fairies in Peter Pan. Democracy will die if you don’t believe in it. (But so will money.)

…

More hopeful turns are always possible. Except at the moment when you’ve been pushed out a window. But there is no “inevitable course of history”. And yes, individuals have made a difference. And can still do so. (Though at what cost?)

…

Young doctor: “Compared with most people in your demographic, your hearing is quite good.”

Me: “That’s because most people in my demographic are dead. They aren’t hearing anything.”

Him: (puzzled shock)

…

As for hypocrisy, it has been a constant factor in human societies. But there are high points and low ones. Now that we are seeing the greatest democracy of modern times turning away from these ideals, the ideals are looking better as aspirations than they have for a while. What will we do and who will we be without them?

Are we about to find out?

Book of Lives by Margaret Atwood is published by Chatto & Windus. To support the Guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.

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[Stargleamer]

1. Some of us have gone way beyond worried. . . .

and are fucking terrified

[cbabe]

2. Worried is nice Canadian for terrified.