Miriam Toews is a Canadian author who is the author of nine books, including Women Talking, A Complicated Kindness, and All My Puny Sorrows.
The story is based on real-life events that took place in a Bolivian Mennonite colony.
The novel is told through a conversation between the women of the community about what happened after a series of brutal assaults by men on their own community.
The women secretly meet in a hayloft for two days to think about their options and make decisions that will shape their futures.
The women must confront the choices before them as they deliberate: to remain and make amends with the men, to depart and confront the uncertain outside world, or to respond
The women's conversation develops into a potent investigation of faith, autonomy, agency, and human spirit's resilience.
The women's individual narratives and voices emerge during the conversation, revealing a wide range of experiences, viewpoints, and personal traumas.
They form a collective voice that challenges the oppressive norms they have endured, finding solace and strength in one another.
Women Talking is a potent look at gender dynamics, power abuse, and the possibility of collective action in the face of difficulty.
The novel provides a nuanced depiction of the complexities, struggles, and perseverance of these women's lives. It demonstrates how individuals can be empowered to reclaim their voices and determine their own futures through communication, empathy, and solidarity.