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51 pages 1 hour read

Women Talking

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Miriam Toews

Women Talking

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mennonite Colony • 2000s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Women Talking, a group of women in the fictional Mennonite colony of Molotschna convenes to discuss their response after discovering that many of their men have been drugging and sexually assaulting them for years. Presented as meeting minutes by the schoolteacher August Epps, the women debate whether to do nothing, stay and fight, or leave the colony altogether. The novel examines themes of patriarchy, faith, and resilience. This text includes references to domestic and sexual violence, and suicide.

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Emotional

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.8

67,482 ratings

58%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Women Talking by Miriam Toews has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and in-depth exploration of female experiences and empowerment. Critics laud Toews's poignant prose and the novel's timely, thought-provoking themes. However, some note the book's dialogue-heavy structure may be challenging for readers seeking more traditional storytelling. Overall, it's praised as a powerful and relevant work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Women Talking?

Readers who appreciate thought-provoking, feminist literature with deep emotional and social insights will enjoy Women Talking by Miriam Toews. Fans of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale or Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones will find a similar blend of poignant storytelling and critical exploration of women's lives and agency.

3.8

67,482 ratings

58%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Character List

August Epp

The narrator and protagonist who, despite a troubled past, serves as the minute-taker for the women's meetings and provides insight into their struggles and discussions.

The eldest Loewen woman and a strong leader who helps guide the colony's women towards their collective goals, advocating for action and standing up to male authority.

Greta’s eldest daughter, who is opinionated, critical, and religious, often questioning the group's discussions and expressing skepticism.

A more reserved member of the group and a smoker who occasionally provides dissenting opinions while maintaining a quieter presence in meetings.

An elder who shares leadership and wisdom with Greta, bringing a voice of reason, traditional values, and encouraging thoughtful dialogue while advocating for change.

A pivotal figure whose gentle and soft-spoken nature influences the group’s discussions, and although pregnant, she stands firm in advocating for women's rights.

A passionate and defiant woman focused on protecting her loved ones, often inciting action and challenging the group's beliefs through her intense dedication to justice.

Two adolescent girls whose playfulness and inventiveness contribute to the women's plans and suggest a hopeful future for young women in their community.

The elder who holds authority within the colony and represents traditionalist opposition to the women's autonomy and agency, while maintaining complex familial ties to August.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mennonite Colony • 2000s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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