This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Handmaid's Tale

   

   Set in a dystopian future, this novel presents a society where women are stripped of their rights and are classified into various roles based on their fertility and societal status. The protagonist is a handmaid, a class of women used solely for their reproductive capabilities by the ruling class. The story is a chilling exploration of the extreme end of misogyny, where women are reduced to their biological functions, and a critique of religious fundamentalism.

   The 132nd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Blind Assassin

   

   The novel is a complex narrative that weaves together the story of two sisters in early 20th century Canada, one of whom publishes a scandalous novel that leads to her suicide. The surviving sister, now an elderly woman, reflects on their lives, revealing family secrets, heartbreak, and the truth behind the scandalous novel. The narrative is interspersed with excerpts from the controversial book, a science fiction story within a story, adding layers of intrigue and mystery.

   The 1261st Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Cat's Eye

   

   This novel revolves around the life of a controversial painter, Elaine Risley, who returns to her hometown, Toronto, for a retrospective of her art. Haunted by her past, she reminisces about her childhood and the complex relationships she had, especially with her best friend Cordelia. The story delves into themes of memory, identity, and the often painful experiences of childhood and adolescence. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates through the complexities of female friendship, bullying, and the struggle to fit in.

   The 1649th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Surfacing

   

   The novel follows the journey of a young woman who returns to her childhood home in the Canadian wilderness to search for her missing father, accompanied by her lover and another couple. As she explores her past and grapples with her identity, she undergoes a mental and spiritual breakdown, eventually rejecting her previous life and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness. The narrative explores themes of gender, identity, and the clash between modern society and the natural world.

   The 2174th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Oryx and Crake

   

   Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the novel follows the life of Snowman, who believes he may be the last human on earth, as he struggles to survive in a new, harsh environment. He is surrounded by genetically modified creatures, and his only companions are the Crakers, human-like beings created by his brilliant but disturbed friend Crake. Through Snowman's memories, the story of how the world came to be this way is revealed, involving a love triangle with the mysterious Oryx and the catastrophic consequences of Crake's scientific experiments.

   The 3130th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Alias Grace

   

   This historical fiction novel centers around the true story of Grace Marks, a 19th-century Irish-Canadian maid who was convicted of the brutal murders of her employer and his housekeeper. The narrative is told from the perspective of Grace herself, as well as a young psychiatrist who is trying to determine whether Grace is truly guilty. The book explores themes of memory, culpability, and the treatment of women in society.

   The 4472nd Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. The MaddAddam Trilogy

   

   The MaddAddam Trilogy is a dystopian series set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a man-made plague. The story revolves around a small group of survivors, including a bioengineer who helped create the new world, a woman who is the last of a religious sect, and a man who may be the last human with natural birth. The narrative explores themes of genetic engineering, corporate domination, and the consequences of playing God. The trilogy also features a new species of humanoids, designed to be peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable, who may be the future of life on Earth.

   The 4888th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Selected Poems, 1965-1975

   

   This collection of poems showcases a decade of work from a renowned poet, displaying her exploration of various themes such as love, gender, identity, and the human relationship with nature. The poems are characterized by their stark, vivid imagery and sharp, insightful commentary on societal norms and expectations. The author's unique voice and powerful use of language are evident throughout, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

   The 6126th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Selected Poems II

   

   "Selected Poems II: 1976 - 1986" is a collection of poems that explores a wide range of themes such as love, loss, the passage of time, the nature of nature, and - zestfully - the nature of humans. The author's unique voice, characterized by a strong commitment to feminism and environmental issues, shines through in each piece. The poems are known for their vivid imagery, emotional depth, and exploration of complex topics.

   The 6903rd Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. The Testaments

    

    This sequel to a dystopian novel set in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly part of the United States, is narrated by three female characters. The book explores the inner workings of Gilead, its politics, and its eventual downfall. It delves into the lives of the women, their struggles, and their roles in the society, providing a deeper understanding of the oppressive regime. The novel also examines themes of power, resistance, and the ways in which systems of control can be challenged and eventually dismantled.

    The 6986th Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. Book Of Lives

    A Memoir of Sorts

    

    Margaret Atwood’s Book of Lives is a compact memoir tracing the experiences that shaped her voice — a nomadic childhood in the forests of northern Quebec with scientifically minded parents, pivotal relationships (including life with writer Graeme Gibson), and the moments that fed her imagination. Through linked episodes and reflections, she shows how place, memory, and people influenced her work, without revealing the plots of her novels.

    The 10599th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. Payback

    Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth

    

    This book is an exploration of the concept of debt, both financial and moral, and its impact on individuals and societies. The author examines the historical, cultural, and moral implications of debt, drawing on a wide range of sources, from classical literature and modern economics to personal anecdotes. The book argues that our attitudes towards debt and wealth have a significant impact on our relationships, our societies, and our world, and calls for a re-evaluation of our attitudes towards debt and repayment.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. The Year Of The Flood

    

    In a dystopian future ravaged by a man-made pandemic, two women, Toby and Ren, struggle to survive in a world where societal structures have collapsed. Both are former members of the God's Gardeners, a religious group that preaches ecological sustainability and prepares for the impending disaster they call the Waterless Flood. As they navigate the dangers of a lawless society filled with genetic mutations and ruthless survivors, their intertwined pasts and the teachings of their group provide them with the resilience and hope needed to endure and possibly rebuild.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time

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14. 14. The Robber Bride

    

    In a tale that intricately weaves the lives of three women, the narrative delves into the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and the haunting presence of a charismatic yet manipulative woman who has left a trail of emotional devastation in her wake. As the three friends navigate their intertwined pasts and present, they confront the enigmatic figure who has shaped their lives in unexpected ways, exploring themes of power, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story unfolds with a blend of dark humor and psychological insight, revealing the intricate dance between victim and perpetrator, and the enduring bonds that can emerge from shared adversity.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time

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15. 15. The Edible Woman

    

    In this thought-provoking novel, a young woman named Marian McAlpin navigates the complexities of societal expectations and personal identity in 1960s Toronto. As she becomes engaged to her conventional boyfriend, Peter, Marian begins to experience a growing sense of alienation and loss of control over her own life. This internal conflict manifests in an unusual aversion to food, symbolizing her struggle against the roles imposed on her by society. Through a blend of wit and introspection, the narrative explores themes of consumerism, gender roles, and the quest for self-discovery, ultimately leading Marian to reclaim her autonomy.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time