Women Talking

Women Talking, written by Miriam Toews, is a powerful and thought-provoking novel based on true events that took place in a remote Mennonite community in Bolivia. The audiobook, narrated by Matthew Edison and Ali Ahn, is a gripping and emotional exploration of faith, justice, and the power of collective action.

Matthew Edison and Ali Ahn's narration is excellent, capturing the emotion, humor, and thoughtfulness of Toews' writing in a way that is both engaging and immersive. Their voices are clear and expressive, and they do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.

The story takes place over the course of two days and is told through the collective voice of eight women in the community who are grappling with the aftermath of a series of brutal sexual assaults. As they gather in secret to discuss their options, they must navigate the tensions between their religious beliefs, their desire for justice, and the fear of reprisals from the men in their community.

One of the strengths of Women Talking is its exploration of faith and justice. Toews delves into the ways in which religion can both oppress and empower, and how it can be used to justify violence and silence victims. She also touches on themes of power, agency, and the importance of collective action in the face of oppression.

Another strength of the book is its well-crafted characters and dialogue. Toews gives each woman a distinct voice and personality, and the conversations between them are both powerful and nuanced. The result is a compelling story that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Overall, Women Talking is an excellent audiobook that is well worth a listen. Matthew Edison and Ali Ahn's narration is top-notch, and Miriam Toews' writing is both powerful and thought-provoking. With its exploration of faith and justice, its well-crafted characters and dialogue, and its powerful message of collective action, this is a book that will stay with listeners long after the final chapter.