28 October 2019
Canadian novelist, Margaret Atwood, visited Pendleton Sixth Form College this morning to give an inspiring talk about her career as an author.
Having recently joint won a Booker Prize for her latest novel, The Testaments, staff and students were thrilled to welcome Margaret to the college.
Over 200 students were invited to the talk, which was being filmed by Penguin as part of her book tour.
Principal of Pendleton Sixth Form College, Michael Sheehan, said: “We were delighted to have welcomed Margaret Atwood to Pendleton Sixth Form College this morning. Margaret is an exceptional author who has provoked a cultural phenomenon with her highly commended novel, the Handmaid’s Tale.
“Her visit to the college has inspired many of our young and talented students, who may one day follow in her footsteps. We are so pleased to have such a profound writer visit us and answer manyof our questions. This is one of the many opportunities that we offer at the college.”
Margaret conducted a question and answer style session for half of the event which was hosted by Penguin. In this section students had the opportunity to ask questions about the inspiration behind her infamous novel, The Handmaid’s Tale.
Creative Media student Mia Willemsen said: “I thought it was really lovely to hear about how she was inspired to write The Handmaid’s Tale and how what she wrote became so relevant in today’s day and age. It was an amazing experience and I feel very lucky to have attended.”
The other half of the event was a 25-minute conversation with British journalist, Ash Sarkar. Covering various themes such as the inspiration behind her work and the relevance of it in today’s day and age, the audience were able to get an insight into the thoughts of Margaret Atwood.
Students at the college are set to study The Handmaid’s Tale later this year in their English Literature classes. The talk with Margaret has enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of the speculative fiction novel.
This visit comes in the middle of her short UK tour titled In Conversation with Margaret Atwood.
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