All My Puny Sorrows
Reviews
4.5. SO sad but excellent. I didn’t realize that Miriam Toews wrote Women Talking but now I want to read it even more.
Such a well written and an engaging story about two sisters - plus, I loved the quirky force of a mother. I did find the first part of the book, when they were kids, so interesting and good that a few chapters later when it was a decidedly grown up book, I have to say I was a little disappointed.
Miriam's ability to infuse quirky light-heartedness into tragic situations is so refreshing; there's a great balance of gravity and humour in her writing that allows readers to digest the novel's often grim realities with the promise of a mischievous smirk peeking around every corner. And how much do I love its Canadian setting, Winnipeg and Toronto, two places my own life is occasionally set? Very much. Not to mention the book is thoroughly saturated with literary references, including Norwegian Wood, a complete anomaly of a read that I just completed! Miriam, we're kindred spirits.
Yoli's mom for president 2016
beautifully, painfully human. the entire novel feels like sitting at a coffeeshop processing with a friend. beautiful thoughts written with beautiful words and syntax. there is at least one profound thought embedded in every single page without fail.
A devastating rumination on choosing to live, choosing to die, and who exactly owns these choices. Not an easy read but a necessary one.
