Miriam Toews: A loud voice in a town once ruled by silence

Miriam Toews is one of Canada's most acclaimed novelists, but her journey began far from the literary world. Raised in the conservative Mennonite town of Steinbach, Manitoba, she grew up surrounded by deep faith, strict expectations, and a culture where silence often covered over difficult truths. The town didn't even have a train station to keep it separate from the 'worldy' practices of contemporary society. At home, her devout father Mel's lifelong battle with mental illness and her mother Elvira's rebellious streak created a world of tenderness and tension - one Miriam would later transform into funny and powerful fiction.

Miriam reflects on how she became a writer: the restless imagination that sparked during childhood, her early escape from the confines of her community, and the personal losses that shaped novels such as A Complicated Kindness, All My Puny Sorrows, and Women Talking. With success also came the cost of telling stories about identity, family, mental health and faith - stories her community never dare speak aloud.

This programme contains references to suicide. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support.

Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide - www.befrienders.org

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producers: Laura Thomas and Edgar Maddicott

Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Image: Miriam Toews with long, light brown hair, smiling at the camera, leaning against a wooden fence. Credit: Mark Boucher)