I was intrigued and pulled into this book. It isn't conventional and the storyline doesn't follow many rules, but the immersion into the troublesome life of Mennonite teen Nomi spoke to me. I wouldn't consider myself rebellious, when I was a teen nor now, but her personality was one of interest, regardless. I think, in essence, this point of her life was a learning experience and she made mistakes in a society that was unaccepting of adolescent experimentation. I think the prose was beautiful and that Miriam Toews's debut was worth all its acclaim. I would definitely recommend this book.

I agree with the description of the book as 'boring and depressing'. Sad to know some people who have read this book and then tell me that they now know all about growing up Mennonite. Time for others to recognize that our experiences are varied - as are those of people from other ethnic and cultural groups. (I, too, come from a Russian Mennonite background)

I found it very boring and depressing. The story did not seem to progress. Disappointing.

Coming from the same Russian Mennonite background as the characters, I found the book too close to the truth and therefore depressing. The story lacked hope. Ironically, I found her non-fiction account of her father's suicide (Swing Low) more hopeful.

Toews is dependable for a good story. Again girl in Menonite household in canada. Brutal father. See catalogue comments and reviews.

Nomi is this teenage girl who lives with her dad in a Mennonite community in outside of Winnipeg. You hear about her closed off life and community and colorful family members. Then one day her sister takes off and then her mom disappears. It really is a story composed of elaborate interconnected parts that make up Nomi's life. Unfortunately, nothing great - just thought it was weird, but will try her other books.

Miriam Toews has a remarkable ability to aptly pick out the smallest details in her character's life and then poignantly describe these moments with a touch of humour. I stand in awe of this ability of hers which is continually evident in each of her novels. Her novels, to me, all "sound the same" with that wonderful chatty voice of hers coming through her characters. I know that her young adult characters are at a turning point in their lives as they work through some life changing problem...usually a social issue... and receive some illumination about themselves, their families, their friends, and their community. I would have liked more info on the dad character. He seems so weird, yet he is a grade 6 teacher. I would have preferred him to be a farmer or a business owner.

It was a good book and I found it pretty interesting for the most part. I would recommend it! I found it a little frustrating with the lack of quotation marks, so sometimes I was confused in the conversations.

Great book to own

Miriam shows us how to treat our worst enemies with tenderness and even mercy: how to affirm the humanity of those who have harmed us the most. She brings to life the painful inner life of a person suffering spiritual abuse. She gives no simple answers or solutions; rather she gives a vivid affimation of the fragility and beauty of a human soul.