What is the best Margaret Atwood book to read first?

For most readers, The Handmaid's Tale is the best entry point. It introduces her prose style and thematic concerns without being as dense as The Blind Assassin . If you dislike dystopias, try Cat's Eye for a contemporary, realistic story.

Is The Handmaid's Tale a true story?

No, it is a work of speculative fiction. However, Atwood has famously stated that she did not include anything in the book that has not happened somewhere in the world at some point in history. She grounds her horror in historical precedent.

What is the difference between speculative fiction and science fiction for Atwood?

Atwood distinguishes the two by saying science fiction involves things that are not yet possible (like warp drives and aliens), whereas speculative fiction involves things that are possible with current technology and society. She views her work as the latter.

Are the TV shows connected to the books?

The Hulu series The Handmaid's Tale adapts the first book in Season 1. Subsequent seasons expand the story beyond Atwood’s original text. However, Atwood’s sequel, The Testaments , was written with the show's development in mind, creating a dialogue between the two formats.

How many books has Margaret Atwood written?

As of 2026, she has published over 50 books, including novels, poetry collections, children's books, and non-fiction essays. Her career has spanned more than six decades.

Margaret Atwood Books in Order: Complete 2026 List

Arielle Phoenix

February 10, 2026 General

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