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A Writer’s Role Models: Canadian Author Miriam Towes and Her 15-Year-Old Character Elfrieda

Sheila Bender's Writing It Real Posted on by

This week, I have made a video for Writing It Real’s Weekly Article.

In it, I share a passage from Canadian author Miriam Toews’ novel All My Puny Sorrows in which a talented 15-year-old piano player exercises her genius against the unwelcome authoritarianism of the Mennonite elders, who “willy nilly” as the girl’s mother says, visit her household.

I admire the author’s use of simile, her use of details, and her ability to slow time down so as readers, we submerge ourselves in the scene she has created.

The content of the passage is important, especially when a new administration in the US seems unlikely to understand the mission and value of the arts or the need for a free press if citizens are to be respected.

After you have watched the 11 minute video, I hope you will leave a comment about the scene I read and add some of your thoughts about the importance of writing and writing well.

 

 

Comments

A Writer’s Role Models: Canadian Author Miriam Towes and Her 15-Year-Old Character Elfrieda — 9 Comments

  1. It was a pleasure to see you and hear you—now I’ll have your voice and your countenance in my mind when I read your poems. My only suggestion would be that you slow your reading pace to emphasize the mood of this scene. That said, your sample worked for me. I just reserved the book at the library.
    Dorothy

  2. I loved hearing your voice reading this powerful story. The soothing quality of your voice held me still while the intensity of these words sunk into my heart. I hope you continue to read as many stories as possible! I can’t wait to share this with my daughter!

  3. I had a hard time to think in terms of watching you rather than reading your weekly essays but at the end, I appreciated it. Love seeing your face and hearing your voice. Felt like you were talking to me.
    The reading was so apropos for this inauguration day. Have been avoiding social media and this was the best respite.
    She writes beautifully and although I don’t have a history like hers, I do identify with the oppression of “elders” and the church.
    Nice to have a reading every so often but still love your essays, They always seem to say what I’m needing to hear.
    Bree

    • Bree, I am glad that in the end you felt the video accomplished a personal connection and was apropos the events of this day. I will still write essays/articles for members, don’t worry! But I do enjoy teaching “in person” that’s for sure.

  4. Thank you Sheila. I found the passage vivid. Time does indeed slow down in the rendition. The single file march of the elders, Elfs triumphant descent to the kitchen.
    Thank you for sharing.
    And it was nice seeing you, my much appreciated mentor.
    Maureen.

    P/s. I just bought the book on amazon.

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