Big Books of Spring
Women Talking

Questions About Women Talking

by Miriam Toews

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Answered Questions (10)

I understand the theme, but was wondering if the talk turns graphically descriptive? Thanks.
Mel Auffredou For the most part the assaults are not really described. They are mentioned but not in graphic detail. The book concentrates more on the women's conve…moreFor the most part the assaults are not really described. They are mentioned but not in graphic detail. The book concentrates more on the women's conversations with each other which includes philosophy, religion and even humor. I really appreciated that Toews chose to focus on the women's personality rather than graphically describing the assaults.(less)
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Kathie I have a library copy and this edition says on page 100, "In 2009..." so it must have been corrected.…moreI have a library copy and this edition says on page 100, "In 2009..." so it must have been corrected.(less)
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Was the dialog too sophisticated for these women?
Bonnie August was translating from Plattdeutsch (spelled differently in the book) to English, so his words are the ones we read, which may have been more sop…moreAugust was translating from Plattdeutsch (spelled differently in the book) to English, so his words are the ones we read, which may have been more sophisticated than the words spoken by the women. It was his quick instant translation, with no time to think, and he would have used language natural to him.(less)
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Robert Irish
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Pam I felt like it was #1. She was quite liberal in her thoughts, and she seemed to have been influenced by the teaching's of August's mother. I'm not sur…moreI felt like it was #1. She was quite liberal in her thoughts, and she seemed to have been influenced by the teaching's of August's mother. I'm not sure that #2 would have been conceivable to the women of the colony. Having no true idea of the outside world, they would have only known the expectations of women - marriage, children, etc. The value of a husband wouldn't have been in his outward appearance, but instead on his ability to provide for his family. If she had been the only one SA'd, then #4 might have been conceivable. But, as she was one of many, I don't think this would have prevented her from moving forward. I think she would have been able to differentiate a man who would abuse her from one who would love/appreciate her. (less)
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