All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews
The Novel Book Club met on March 19 to discuss All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews. Although this book won the 2014 Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize and was short-listed for the 2014 Scotiabank Giller Prize, the vast majority of book club members did not enjoy it! This book is about Elf, a middle aged woman who wants to die. And she wants her younger sister, Yoli, to help her. Elf is a brilliant and successful pianist, but is weary of life and wants to go to Switzerland for a legal doctor-assisted suicide. Yoli, who describes herself as failing at mastering the art of being an adult, is desperately trying to keep her sister alive while pondering her request. And that, in short, is the entire plotline (minus a few details.) This is definitely not a light read to take to the beach! This is a contemplative book, focusing on the relationship between the two sisters and their families. There are a few funny one liners and scenarios that ease the somber mood of this book, but they feel jarring and out of place. The funniest being when a toddler starts eating the deceased’s ashes at a funeral! There are also many literary references which often made me pause to look them up. If there is at least a good part to this book, it is that the ending ties up the loose ends and gives the reader closure. You find out what happens to everyone instead of being left dangling.
We meet next on April 16 at 7:00pm to discuss The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo. If you want to join the discussion, ask for the book at the front desk and come to the meeting! New members always welcome.
