Burning Questions: Essays and Occasional Pieces 2004-2022

Margaret Atwood, a renowned cultural figure, presents a captivating collection of essays in "Burning Questions," where her insightful intellect and playful humor explore various profound topics. The essays delve into why storytelling is universal across cultures, how humanity can sustainably inhabit the Earth, and the intriguing connection between zombies and authoritarianism. Throughout this collection, Atwood examines significant events such as the end of a historical era, economic collapse, the emergence of figures like Trump, and a global pandemic. She navigates subjects ranging from economic debt and technological advancements to the climate crisis and personal freedoms. Atwood's ability to pose thoughtful inquiries into these complex aspects of human existence is unmatched. The paperback edition includes new essays that further enrich the collection. Praised by Joan Didion for its brilliance and wit, and by Ali Smith for encapsulating contemporary wisdom, this work is noted by the New York Times Book Review for its skillful blend of humor, outrage, and beauty. Anne Enright of the Guardian and the Sunday Times both recognize Atwood as a defining novelist of our time.