Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Spazito

(55,214 posts)
Mon Sep 1, 2025, 10:54 AM Monday

Canadian author Margaret Atwood takes another shot at Alberta's book ban with satirical story

Margaret Atwood is taking aim at Alberta's controversial ban on school library books containing sexual content with a new, satirical short story after the famed author's novel The Handmaid's Tale was yanked from some shelves due to the province's sweeping new rules.

snip

In a social media post on Sunday, Atwood said since the literary classic is no longer suitable in Alberta's schools, she has written a short story for 17-year olds about two "very, very good children" named John and Mary.

"They never picked their noses or had bowel movements or zits," she said in the beginning of her story.

snip

"They grew up and married each other, and produced five perfect children without ever having sex."

snip

"But while they were doing that The Handmaid's Tale came true and [Premier] Danielle Smith found herself with a nice new blue dress but no job," she said, referring to the high-ranking wives of commanders in her book who wore blue while the handmaids, in red garments, were subjected to produce children for elite couples in a totalitarian and theocratic state.

"The end."

more

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alta-library-books-1.7622459

I adore Margaret Atwood and this is but one example of why. She takes no prisoners, ever!

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Canadian author Margaret Atwood takes another shot at Alberta's book ban with satirical story (Original Post) Spazito Monday OP
I hope she wins Nobel Lit prize for her novels, stories, poetry, and scholarly literary analysis. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Monday #1
She has earned it for sure, imo. n/t Spazito Monday #3
Boom! JustAnotherGen Monday #2
I am so hoping Smith will find herself out of a job soon. Bev54 Monday #4
How do we access the petition?... Spazito Monday #5
The petition is being popping up in different places and there are only a few permanent Bev54 Monday #6
Thanks for the link! Spazito Monday #8
Good for Ms. Atwood. greatauntoftriplets Monday #7
Great response. Brilliant book. Brilliant author. Martin68 Monday #9

Bernardo de La Paz

(57,870 posts)
1. I hope she wins Nobel Lit prize for her novels, stories, poetry, and scholarly literary analysis. . . . nt
Mon Sep 1, 2025, 10:56 AM
Monday

Bev54

(12,798 posts)
4. I am so hoping Smith will find herself out of a job soon.
Mon Sep 1, 2025, 12:07 PM
Monday

She is ruining this province. I am working with the group Forever Canadian to get 300,000 signatures to put on the ballot the question "do you agree that Alberta remains in Canada?". She has really overstepped her mark with her cozying up to the separatists and with this stupid book ban. The Edmonton school district publicly listed the 200 books that were banned and she called it "Vicious compliance". She really hates the sunlight, just like a Dracula, another book she has likely never read.

Sick to death of this woman.

Spazito

(55,214 posts)
5. How do we access the petition?...
Mon Sep 1, 2025, 12:10 PM
Monday

I was hoping there would be a booth in the mall near me but nothing yet. I will definitely sign it when I can.

Bev54

(12,798 posts)
6. The petition is being popping up in different places and there are only a few permanent
Mon Sep 1, 2025, 12:16 PM
Monday

sites right now, where you can sign. Here is the website that shows where the petition volunteers will be. If nothing is close to your area, message me where you live and I will keep see if I can find out for you.

https://www.forevercanadianpetitionevents.com/

Spazito

(55,214 posts)
8. Thanks for the link!
Mon Sep 1, 2025, 12:47 PM
Monday

I found a place very close to where I live and it is going to be there between 2 and 4 pm and so will I!

Thank you again for the link it was very helpful! Fingers crossed we get the requisite number of signatures. If the recent polls are accurate the numbers are there for it to be successful.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Canada»Canadian author Margaret ...