In Margaret Atwood's "Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth," the author explores the complex relationship between debt and various aspects of human experience. She suggests that debt connects financial transactions with deeper narratives and beliefs, highlighting how these elements can create tension and conflict. This intersection of money, storytelling, and faith can lead to powerful outcomes, impacting individuals and societies alike.

Atwood underscores that debt is not just a mere financial obligation; it reflects personal and cultural stories that can shape people's lives. By examining this peculiar nexus, she reveals how the implications of debt extend beyond economics, influencing identity, morality, and social dynamics, often with profound consequences.