Dinner Party for Margaret Atwood – by Susan Page

When Toller Cranston learned that fellow Canadian legendary genius, Margaret Atwood, was to appear at the San Miguel de Allende Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival, he set about preparing a feast for her that would befit her status and at the same time, display his incomparable exuberance. Opening the door to the enchanting jungle of a garden was already breathtaking for Margaret. The sight rocked even her usual deadpan demeanour. The tables were set with a riot of vibrant flowers, pouffy napkins, and coordinated brightly-coloured place settings. Margaret placed herself in one of the quieter corners, where her table was somewhat isolated.

When the food began arriving, it was as beautifully presented as it was delicious. Every bite took place in an atmosphere of lavishness. I’m not sure why Toller was not seated at Margaret’s table. I was there and remember talking with her about a short story of hers that I had recently read in the New Yorker, about a perfectly-executed, forever mysterious revenge murder.

Then, we were invited inside to see a dessert table that made us all laugh with delight. There were tiers of cakes and pies at different levels among the flowers and there were ice cream cone clowns dancing on top of them all. There were plates overflowing with cookies and cupcakes, so many items it was impossible to sample even a tenth of it all. Toller’s home, crowded with massive, imposing, totally fun and stunning sculptures and works of art, organized so that one could barely find a path among it all, was adequately complemented by this extravagant dessert table.

This dinner party brought together all of his virtues into one outrageous evening. Ironically, Margaret’s understated enthusiasm and famously droll humour were possibly the opposite extreme of Toller’s flamboyance. But she loved it! This was an historic event when two much-beloved icons of brilliant talent honoured and were honoured with a remarkable happening that will forever be remembered by all who were there. Toller outdid himself.