Women Talking

The women of an isolated Mennonite colony discover that for some time, they and their children have been drugged and raped by some of the colony’s men. In response, the women undertake extended discussions about how to react: stay and do nothing, stay and fight, or leave. The nuanced talks revolve around their faith, and in that context, the extent of their right to think, act, and protect their children. Based on a fairly recent true story, this novel is extraordinarily intelligent and compelling in both content and structure.