Eight Mennonite women meet in a hayloft to discuss how to respond to repeated violations by the men of their community. When the men return from the city in two days time, the women will be forced to forgive their attackers unless they decide to leave.
I appreciate the concept of the story but feel that Toews made a few poor narrative choices. The most damaging is introducing an educated male narrator. August Epp de-centers the story from its proper place with the isolated illiterate women, and allows Toews to sneak in too many literary and worldly references. Also, the women's perspectives felt rather more modern than I would expect them to be.
Women Talking would work better as a play. It takes place in a single location over a short time period and consists entirely of dialogue. Actresses would be able to embody the diverse personalities better than dry descriptions.
I appreciate the concept of the story but feel that Toews made a few poor narrative choices. The most damaging is introducing an educated male narrator. August Epp de-centers the story from its proper place with the isolated illiterate women, and allows Toews to sneak in too many literary and worldly references. Also, the women's perspectives felt rather more modern than I would expect them to be.
Women Talking would work better as a play. It takes place in a single location over a short time period and consists entirely of dialogue. Actresses would be able to embody the diverse personalities better than dry descriptions.
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