If there's One Book you read in 2024, the Lambton County Library is recommending Women Talking by Miriam Toews.
Adult Programs and Outreach Public Services Coordinator Adrianne Lebert said the book has been selected for their annual literary event, which celebrates Canadian authors and unites residents by reading the same book.
"We did have a few different selections that our library staff could vote on and Women Talking came out on top," said Lebert. "It's definitely very exciting with the popularity of the film that came out last year and we are so excited to be able to offer some programming related to both the book and the film."
The feature-length film adapted from the book, directed by Canadian filmmaker Sarah Polley, was awarded Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2023 Academy Awards.
"Women Talking is a work of fiction, but it was inspired by some true events that took place between 2005 and 2009 at a secluded Mennonite community," Lebert said. "The novel takes place over about 48 hours and it focuses on a conversation between eight Mennonite women. They've gathered secretly in a hay loft of a barn and they are tasked with deciding, on behalf of the women in the colony, how to respond to violent attacks that have been happening against the women and girls in the community."
Lebert admits there are some heavy themes to the book, but added there are light-hearted moments as well.
"For the programming, we've got a lot of great events happening throughout the county," she said. "We have some books-to-movie trivia nights, we also have some author events. A local author, Maria Moore, has written a book called, Not My Kind of Mennonite. She's doing a number of sessions to talk about her book and [giving] some writing tips."
Lebert said you can reserve a copy at lclibrary.ca or by calling or visiting a Lambton County Library location.
"We do order extra print copies, so those will be available at our library branches and through the library catalogue to request. We have also added some extra e-book and audiobook copies. If anyone ever has any questions about any of that, you can definitely contact one of your local branches and they can help with that," she said.