On Monday, the Canada Post commission will announce that Margaret Atwood’s book, The Handmaid’s Tale, has been selected for a stamp in honour of International Women’s Day. The 48-cent stamp will be released on March 10, International Women’s Day 2019. The story of women living in a dystopia after being forced into prostitution as part of a religious order, The Handmaid’s Tale was released in 1985, which is why the author immediately saw her dystopian novel as a perfect candidate for an official stamp.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this Stamp of Recognition,” said Atwood. “Even if it is for a mere 48-cent stamp, the experience that stamp-makers now have of The Handmaid’s Tale is a singular and unique one, but one not to be forgotten.”
“It’s an honour to be in one of Canada’s ‘stamps of recognition’ – someone recognizes our work that gives hope to those who long for freedom. Atwood is known for her sweeping, poignant and direct writing and I’m glad that her unmistakable voice is an important part of this experience,” said Philip Penhaligon, Head of Stamp Services of the Canada Post.
The book will be the latest in a series of Canada Post commemorative stamps that include pieces dedicated to Canadian legends Tom Thomson, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, and the late Montreal Canadiens goaltender, Terry Sawchuk.
According to the Ottawa Citizen, the recent recent Canada Post “stamp of recognition” list has actually met with mixed reception. A number of literary and arts journalists have criticized the release of the stamps, expressing doubt over its taste and reading. However, In Canada’s parliamentary affairs editor Janet Brown called them a positive sign that Canada Post is improving its offerings to the public.
Read more at the Ottawa Citizen.
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