King Felipe VI Thanks Margaret Atwood for Teaching Society 'To Read Our Time'

In a significant cultural exchange in Toronto, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain conveyed profound gratitude to the celebrated Canadian author Margaret Atwood. The King lauded Atwood for her invaluable contribution to society's understanding, stating she has taught us 'to read our time, to read our societies, and to read ourselves.' This sentiment was expressed during the presentation of the III Joan Margarit International Poetry Prize to the esteemed writer.

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to read our time, to read our societies, and to read ourselves.

This encounter marked a reunion for the King and Atwood, who had previously met 18 years ago when he presented her with the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. King Felipe VI's visit to Canada provided a fitting backdrop for honoring Atwood, recognizing her extensive literary oeuvre—novels, poems, stories, and essays—which has served as a gateway to Canada for many Spanish readers. He described her as a 'brilliant novelist, committed intellectual, lover and teacher of nature, baker, card and hand reader, astrologer, and—of course—poet… A soul that reflects that of an entire country.'

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A brilliant novelist, committed intellectual, lover and teacher of nature, baker, card and hand reader, astrologer and—of course—poet… A soul that reflects that of an entire country. Because only Canada could have produced such a multifaceted personality.

The Spanish monarch also acknowledged Atwood's sharp wit and her prescient insights into potential dystopian futures, expressing hope that such scenarios would not materialize. He reflected on the significance of her work in defending women's dignity and denouncing social injustices, themes that resonate deeply within her literary universe. The King emphasized that great literature, like Atwood's, possesses the power to illuminate our present and ourselves.

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that you receive this award as a sign of gratitude for teaching us to read better, to read our time, to read our societies, and to read ourselves.

Accepting the award, Margaret Atwood expressed her own gratitude to King Felipe VI for traveling to Canada, particularly at a time when international ties are increasingly crucial for democracies. She acknowledged the King's role in strengthening Spain's constitutional monarchy. Atwood's acceptance speech, titled 'Poetry in Hard Times,' touched upon the historical vulnerability of poets in oppressive regimes, noting their unique ability to articulate forbidden truths in compelling ways, a power that often threatens authoritarianism. This award ceremony celebrated not only a distinguished author but also the enduring power of literature to foster understanding and connection across borders.

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in a time when international ties and friendships are increasingly important for those of us who are fortunate enough to continue living in democracies.