Why no one can read Margaret Atwood’s book for 100 years

Can we get a sneak peek?

margaret atwood future library 100 years
(Image credit: Getty)

Margaret Atwood is one of the world’s most renowned modern authors.

As the genius behind the eye-opening The Handmaid’s Tale, which focuses around a totalitarian society where women are seen as property of the state, the writer has been revered by literary enthusiasts around the world.

The author has even had a TV series made of her award-winning novel and seen protestors dress in the iconic red and white outfit of her literature, taking part in political demonstrations.

So fans of hers were desperate to get hold of her new novel The Testaments, which is a follow-up to the events of 1985’s The Handmaid’s Tale.

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However, there’s another little known book that the novelist penned back in 2014 that we’re sure fans would love to delve into.

The only problem? They might not be around when it’s released.

As part of a revolutionary project by Scottish artist Katie Paterson, the book will be released in 2114.

The project Future Library is a 100-year-long project that was started back in 2014, which involves a book being printed each year on material from trees specially planted in the Norwegian forest.

In 2114 the manuscripts will then all be displayed in the Oslo public library.

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Margaret was the first writer to submit material for the project when it started back on 2014 with a piece name Scribbler Moon.

Since then five other writers have participated, including David Mitchell, Sjón, Elif Shafak, Han Kang and Karl Ove Knausgård.

The project, which is known as ‘the world’s most secretive library’, allows writers to submit whatever they want – fiction, poetry, a biography.

MORE: The 8 books you need to add to your 2020 reading list

But what’s pretty crazy is that none of the material will be seen in our lifetime.

It’s likely that only a small percentage of anyone alive today will still be alive to see it when it’s released.

“I wanted to put something in place that travels through stretches of time,” creator Katie said to Stylist magazine.

“The project is moving and changing to become an organically growing artwork year after year, with the authors adding their own chapters to this larger anthology. They’re not read by us, but instead we’re leaving something for people who don’t yet exist, and who will be able to reflect on who those citizens were.”

Aleesha Badkar
Digital Beauty Editor, woman&home

Aleesha is Digital Beauty Editor at woman&home, where she gets to share her expertise into all the best techniques, sharpest tools and newest products—with a particular savvy in skincare and fragrance.

Previously, she was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. In the past, she has worked as Shopping Writer at woman&home, gained an AOP awards nomination after working on their news team, contributed to Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto and earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London.