Irma Voth - Miriam Toews

"Toews is an artist of escape; she always finds a way for her characters, trapped by circumstance, to liberate themselves." -Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker

Jorge said he wasn't coming back until I learned how to be a better wife . . .

The life of nineteen-year-old Irma Voth, recently married and more recently deserted, is turned on its head when a film crew arrives to make a movie about the strict Mennonite community in which she and her family live. Against her family's wishes, Irma takes a job on set and glimpses the wider world and a path towards something that feels like freedom.

“Endearingly odd and affecting . . . [Toews] writes with an instinctive grasp of the adolescent point of view.” —Maria Russo, New York Times Book Review

“A witty and thoughtful coming-of-age story. . . . A novel about parenthood and sisterhood, and about redefining those relationships as people grow . . . it succeeds tremendously.” —The Washington Independent Review of Books

“The wryly funny title character keeps the story poignant.” —USA Today

“There is something quite mesmerizing about Toews's prose. It's to do with the rhythm of her language, with the seeming effortlessness of it and, when combined with her quick, offhand wit, it can enliven even the darkest of moments.” —Toronto Star

“A literary novel marked by charm, wit and an original approach to language.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Simultaneously poignant and humorous . . . perfectly captures this young woman's attempt to find her niche in a world so different from that in which she was raised . . . Toews's unique voice shines.” —Booklist

“Toews . . . combines an intimate coming-of-age tale with picaresque and extremely effective prose.” —Publishers Weekly

“A strong and skillful novel . . . a parable of redemption, a powerful theme . . . that leaves the reader with a comforting glow of hope.” —Annie Proulx, Financial Times

“In this compelling and beautiful novel, Toews's quirky and authentic voice shows increasing range and maturity. She is well on her way to fulfilling her promise as an important and serious writer.” —Montreal Gazette

“Miriam Toews has a remarkably light touch. She combines a playfully sardonic humour with crushing pathos.” —Times Literary Supplement

“The nicely drawn contrast between what Irma knows and suspects and what the reader understands about her world gives Irma Voth a suspenseful charge from the first pages.” —Jane Smiley, Globe and Mail

“Toews's ability to generate comedy and heartache at the same time just soars.” —Maclean's (Canada)

“Irma Voth is wryly funny and perceptive.” —National Post (Canada)