It can be enlightening, even if disconcerting to, at least occasionally, step outside your comfort zone and try something that is not part of your usual reading diet. Such is the case of this latest novel from Miriam Toews, a Canadian former Mennonite, and a talented storyteller, for me. The plot is adapted from the true story of women in an inbred Bolivian Mennonite colony of less than 2000, who, in a hayloft, over two days, plot to escape from the culture of male dominance, cruelty, and organized sexual assaults by gangs of men using belladonna to sedate their victims.
The illiterate women’s discussions include deep philosophical musings about their faith, doubts, obligations and dilemmas, abounding in allegory, symbolism and metaphors, and even the meaning of dreams. Open to many different interpretations, there are many pearls of wisdom and insight. The hypocrisy of the Mennonite culture, with secret drunkenness on mistletoe vodka, smoking, and crude language, is on full display. Dedicated feminists will rave about this story.
For a Mennonite writer, there are some glaring errors about the basics of farming. Straw is equated with hay, and kids play with manure in a hayloft, not where manure is likely to be found. Where was the fact checker?
Until about page fifty, I was thoroughly confused about this story, but it grew on me and I quite enjoyed the symbolism of an enigmatic journey, out of something and into the unknown. I can understand why this book has been praised as a classic and is in contention for various literary prizes. But I will not be reading Toews’s other offerings. Nor The Art Of The Deal.
The Passionate Reader 