Margaret Atwood’s hair sticks out in all directions, almost as if each curl has some obscure thought attached to it. Most of those thoughts lead to award-winning novels, such as The Handmaid’s Tale, about a Utopian society gone dangerously wrong as they often do in literature. Atwood’s latest novel, The Year of the Flood, also features an ill-fated Utopia that blends an odd mix of the Garden of Adam and Eve and science. Another successful idea plucked from that crown of curls, however the book tour may not have faired as well.

Atwood is the author of dozens of novels, poems, and essays so obviously she has done the routine book tour too many times to count and was looking for something a bit different. Yet in this search for innovation, she also decided to completely detach herself from the process. Yes, Atwood is present at her events, such as the one held at Lisner Auditorium this past Friday, but until the Q&A period she was not as engaged.

The novel has three strong narrators, hymns (Atwood invents a complete religion, songs included), and general dramatic appeal so this translated to a dramatic reading by three GW students playing the three protagonists, with sporadic hymns sung by a chorus of GW students, and occasional narration from Atwood. Although GW’s talent was showcased with its three impressive actors and engaging choir, I could not help but feel a little perplexed as to how this was billed a “Margaret Atwood” event when the most she contributed was a few bits of sardonic wit throughout her narration. I did not seem to be the only confused audience member. The crowd anxiously checked their programs before the event started, asking each other what this event was supposed to be. It was said to be a dramatic reading on the ticket, but I think we all assumed this would only take up a fraction of the evening, not the entire evening.

What we really came to see was exhibited during the Q&A. What was most fascinating was her response to an intriguing question about what it is like to invent an entire religion. Atwood easily identified the importance of song, food restrictions (in her novel the religion advocates vegetarianism), and a leader (in this case a man calling himself Adam One) in various religions. By looking at religion from this angle, we were reminded why we need authors, to help turn our world inside out and examine everything.

Throughout this Q&A period, Atwood demonstrated her sarcastic humor and charisma. I believe we could have used a bit more of that during the event itself. Although the event was unique and certainly no fault of the performers, I will have to admit I am a bit old-fashioned and would take an author reading any day.

What does Cuba mean to you? To be entirely candid with you, my only experience with Cuba is its delicious cuisine. However, Cuba has always fascinated me with its rich cultural and political history. Last night’s reading with author and journalist, Mayra Montero only solidified that interest.

As H.G. Carrillo emphasized in his warm introduction of Montero, GW is quite lucky to have the author of nine novels and a collection of short stories in such an intimate vicinity as the Cuba in the World Symposium. Montero is especially distinct compared to her peers because she predominantly writes in Spanish. Although her novels are still vivid and exciting when translated into English, you can really hear the rhythm and life of her writing when she reads in her native tongue. The reading had a more intimate tone when she predominantly switched to expressing herself in her first language.

There is also an enthusiasm and hope to Montero’s writing. Although she focuses on 1950s Cuba in her novels, particularly the Cuban Mafia, she is looking forward to the new Cuba that is emerging in the world. “Cuba is the most fascinating question mark in the Carribean,” she said. She compared this current moment in Cuban history to the Cuban Missile Crisis. “There is a real eagerness for change,” she said. “That eagerness itself is the real change.”

Montero believes that the best way to understand that change is through literature. “We have to drink on the fountain of literature,” she said. She chooses to focus on old Cuba because of its rich impressionistic culture. Obviously the politics of the time are equally fascinating. She said, “There was no blood or no appearance of blood in Cuba, unlike Chicago. So the internal corruption affected casinos not daily lives.” Although she cannot help but be influenced by her childhood during the revolution in her writings, Montero considers her books love stories, not just thrillers.

It is the love found in her books that she hopes will aid the new Cuba. Previously Cuba has been rather isolated for writers, but the internet has allowed authors to write. Montero sees a future more all encompassing though. “There is a future for relations [between the US and Cuba]. A brilliant future,” she said. And I think we all cannot wait for it to come.

Although the Cuba Symposium is off to a great start do not forget there are actual symposiums throughout the day today and the documentary La Lupe by Ela Troyana (who will be present for discussion) at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Marvin Center 309. We hope to see you there!