in a book by one of Canada's esteemed authors. Amanda Payne won that opportunity to
be created as a character in Atwood's 2003 book, Oryx and Crake, the first book
in her MaddAddam Trilogy. (She also makes an appearance in book two, The Year of the Flood.)
In 2007 journalist Rebecca Eckler bid $7,000 at a charity auction to have her name, as a
character, in Atwood's next book of the series, The Year of the Flood (2009). Atwood described
the character of Rebecca Eckler as "Rebecca gives good quotes. She doesn't tell too much.
She's discreet. Unlike you, she doesn't tell people everything." Upon publication, Rebecca
Eckler searched the book to find her name appearing on page 30, and reappearing
throughout the almost 400 page novel. One of her character's first quotes is,
"Praise the Lord and spit. I'm too black and ugly for him..." The real life Rebecca Eckler is
actually "skinny, neurotic and Jewish..."
Growing up Margaret Eleanor Atwood was called Peggy, she was named after her mother
Margaret by her father, "He was romantic. He adored my mother." To be taken seriously as
a writer, Atwood originally wrote under the name M. E. Atwood before deciding it was too
pretentious.
Atwood finds meaning in the names of her characters, they "are not just accidents."
She refers to books of names, books on flowers and plants, jewels and saints for inspiration.
What is the meaning behind the names in The Handmaid's Tale? Serena Joy -- Luke ---
Offred--- Moira--The Commander -- Nick -- Janine --
Book Discussion of The Handmaids Tale takes place this Thursday.......see you there.......