For this week I read Women Talking by Canadian author Mariam Toewls. This work was inspired by true events and tells of the discussion a group of women had after being assaulted in a Mennonite community. In the conversation, the women balance between the fact who cannot read or write and are scared of what it would mean to leave the only home they’ve ever had, and the fact staying would most likely subject them and their daughters to more violence. It is a beautiful story that tells of people who rarely, if ever, get the chance to share. It shows how even though these women were never educated have learned and grown, and have minds that are capable of great thought. We see these women struggle with some of the most fundamental questions of our universe, and all of them have valid thoughts and ideas. We also get to see how women, even though the harshest realities life has to give, support each other. See book is beautiful but could be triggering and deals with some very dark themes, so please only read if you feel it is safe for your mental health.

My favorite quote from this book was; “There must be satisfaction gained inaccurately naming the thing that torments you.”