Margaret Atwood understands everything. As the author of The Handmaid’s Tale, she comprehends pleasure, agency, and the abuse of power. In an interview with Wealth Simple, Atwood also indicates that she grasps the pleasure and joy of a good moisturizer.
Talking about working since she was eight and her approach to finances, Atwood says, “I think my greatest financial indulgences are good face cream and art supplies.” Tellingly in Gilead, the Commander had access to lotion, but Offred hid pats of butter from mealtimes to moisturize her face.
Even with the election causing a surge in book sales, Atwood adds: “Money is a symbol. It doesn’t have any value in and of itself. You can’t eat it, drink it, or wear it. For me, if you want to sum it up, it means self-reliance. I was never told that I should marry a rich man and lie around in a négligée and eat chocolates. I’ve always been expected to support myself and I always have.”
