Margaret Atwood, the celebrated Canadian novelist, poet, and literary critic, has led a life as rich and profound as her literary works. While her public persona is often associated with her powerful narratives and sharp intellect, her romantic journey has been marked by two significant relationships that shaped her personal life and, to some extent, her creative world. Her love story, spanning decades, reflects a deep connection forged within the literary community.
Atwood's first marriage was to Jim Polk, an American writer whom she met during her time at Harvard University. The couple tied the knot in 1968. Their wedding, held in Montreal, was later described by Atwood herself as possessing a "faintly shambolic and surreal quality," a detail that would humorously find its way into her novel Lady Oracle. This period marked the early stages of Atwood's burgeoning literary career, and Polk was involved in a small radical publishing house, Anansi, during their marriage.
The marriage to Jim Polk lasted for approximately five years, concluding with their divorce in 1973. The union was childless, and according to reports, the couple gradually drifted apart. Following their separation, Jim Polk largely receded from the public eye, with little information available about his life post-divorce. This period of Atwood's life, though brief in terms of marriage, was a transitional one, leading her to her most enduring partnership.
Later in 1973, Margaret Atwood began a relationship with Graeme Gibson, a fellow Canadian novelist and passionate bird-watcher. Their connection quickly deepened, marking the beginning of a profound and long-lasting partnership that would span over four decades. Gibson, already a respected figure in Canadian literature, became Atwood's steadfast companion, intellectual peer, and devoted partner.
Their relationship was a cornerstone of both their lives. In 1976, Atwood and Gibson welcomed their daughter, Eleanor Jess Atwood Gibson, into the world. The family initially embraced a rural lifestyle, but eventually moved to Toronto to ensure Jess had better access to schooling. Their life together was characterized by mutual support and a shared commitment to the literary world, often appearing together at literary events and advocating for writers' rights.
Gibson was known for his quiet support of Atwood's phenomenal success, famously inspiring the quote, "Every woman writer should be married to Graeme Gibson," which Atwood herself once printed on a T-shirt for him. Their bond was evident to those around them, a testament to their deep affection and intellectual camaraderie. They were not just partners but also collaborators in various literary and environmental causes.
In the later years of their relationship, Graeme Gibson faced a challenging battle with vascular dementia. Margaret Atwood openly discussed his illness, sharing the profound impact it had on their lives. She continued to promote her work, including her highly anticipated novel The Testaments, even as she navigated the difficulties of his declining health. Her dedication to him during this period underscored the strength of their bond.
Graeme Gibson passed away on September 18, 2019, at the age of 85, in London, England, while Atwood was on a book tour. His death was a significant loss, not only for Atwood but for the Canadian literary community. Atwood later spoke about his peaceful passing, surrounded by his children, and the relief that he was no longer suffering from the debilitating illness. His legacy continues to be honored, with the Writers' Trust of Canada renaming its annual fiction award the Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize in his honor.
Following Gibson's passing, Margaret Atwood remains a widow, continuing her prolific writing career and public engagements. Her recent works, including a collection of short stories, Old Babes in the Wood, often reflect on themes of grief, loss, and enduring love, subtly drawing from her profound experience with Gibson. Her romantic history, though publicly understated compared to some celebrities, highlights a deep and enduring partnership built on shared passions and mutual respect within the world of literature.