Maria Russo
…for all its slow-burn funniness and faith in the redeeming power of art, the novel is built on an awareness that Irma can never fully escape her family's history of pain, suffering and loss…[Toews] writes with an instinctive grasp of the adolescent point of view, in which concepts like personal freedom and self-determination have the highest emotional charge and adults are powerful but slightly irrelevant beings.
—The New York Times Book Review
From the Publisher
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)
Montreal Gazette
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.
Booklist
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.
Annie Proulx
A strong and skillful novel . . . a parable of redemption, a powerful theme . . . that leaves the reader with a comforting glow of hope.
Times Literary Supplement (London)
Miriam Toews has a remarkably light touch. She combines a playfully sardonic humour with crushing pathos.
The Washington Independent Review of Books
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.
USA Today
The wryly funny title character keeps the story poignant.
USA Today
The wryly funny title character keeps the story poignant.
Booklist
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.
Time Magazines Literary Supplement (London)
"Miriam Toews has a remarkably light touch. She combines a playfully sardonic humour with crushing pathos."
