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A review by mariacandet
Women Talking by Miriam Toews
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"Women Talking is both a reaction through fiction to these true-life events, and an act of female imagination."
If you're interested in Women Talking, then you probably know that these true-life events refer to the repeated drugging and rape of more than a hundred women and girls in a Mennonite colony in Bolivia between 2005 and 2009. Women Talking is not a fictionalized version of these events (which I believe would've been deeply unethical), but as Miriam Toews explains, a "reaction through fiction"—a philosophical, theological, and feminist exploration of these events. It is also an act of empathy and feminist imaginary, a reflection on the realities of women and their future possibilities. It is also only women talking.
It is important to remember that our rights as women are recent and fragile, not universal, not guaranteed, not perpetual. It is important to remember that women have fought and are fighting continuously for these rights. It is important to remember that our purpose and end goal is liberation from patriarchy and all of its tools of oppression. It is important to remember that only women talking can be a revolutionary, transgressive act.
With this in mind, I can understand why some find it odd, or even off-putting, that this book is narrated by a man, but it is such a specifically important decision, and August Epp is necessary for the existence of this book. Because without August Epp, this book would essentially not exist. He serves as a reminder that the right to read and write is a privilege that not all women have. The act of writing down the minutes of the meeting is a reminder of the importance of historical records and how oppressed peoples can rarely keep them. He exists as a reminder that it is a privilege to witness this discussion—we have no right to listen to these women, to judge them, to understand them, unless they invite us to (which they do by asking and allowing August Epp to take the minutes). He serves as another example of patriarchal oppression (which I am less interested in), but also to show the futility and lie of male saviors. But to me, the most interesting aspect of August's vital role comes through the revelation at the end regarding the real reason why he was asked to take the minutes of the meeting—without spoiling it, I just want to say that it is perhaps the first action that these women take that truly reflects the future they decide to build for themselves.
If you're interested in Women Talking, then you probably know that these true-life events refer to the repeated drugging and rape of more than a hundred women and girls in a Mennonite colony in Bolivia between 2005 and 2009. Women Talking is not a fictionalized version of these events (which I believe would've been deeply unethical), but as Miriam Toews explains, a "reaction through fiction"—a philosophical, theological, and feminist exploration of these events. It is also an act of empathy and feminist imaginary, a reflection on the realities of women and their future possibilities. It is also only women talking.
It is important to remember that our rights as women are recent and fragile, not universal, not guaranteed, not perpetual. It is important to remember that women have fought and are fighting continuously for these rights. It is important to remember that our purpose and end goal is liberation from patriarchy and all of its tools of oppression. It is important to remember that only women talking can be a revolutionary, transgressive act.
With this in mind, I can understand why some find it odd, or even off-putting, that this book is narrated by a man, but it is such a specifically important decision, and August Epp is necessary for the existence of this book. Because without August Epp, this book would essentially not exist. He serves as a reminder that the right to read and write is a privilege that not all women have. The act of writing down the minutes of the meeting is a reminder of the importance of historical records and how oppressed peoples can rarely keep them. He exists as a reminder that it is a privilege to witness this discussion—we have no right to listen to these women, to judge them, to understand them, unless they invite us to (which they do by asking and allowing August Epp to take the minutes). He serves as another example of patriarchal oppression (which I am less interested in), but also to show the futility and lie of male saviors. But to me, the most interesting aspect of August's vital role comes through the revelation at the end regarding the real reason why he was asked to take the minutes of the meeting—without spoiling it, I just want to say that it is perhaps the first action that these women take that truly reflects the future they decide to build for themselves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Suicide