SPOILER ALERT

The book presents a gripping, emotional dialogue as the women confront their trauma, faith, and the complexities of a choice. While the themes of resilience and solidarity are powerful, and the women’s strength is evident, the story ultimately feels incomplete. Toews explores important issues, but the execution left me wanting more depth and resolution.

What’s particularly unique is that the story is narrated by a man, which initially feels fitting given his troubled past within the colony, often being labeled as feminine and coined as an outsider. Nonetheless, this perspective adds a layer of distance that makes the narrative feel more like a detached account rather than an immersive story. 

The lack of insight into what happens to the women after they leave the colony left me feeling unfulfilled, and I struggled to connect with the characters on a deeper level, except for Ona. 

So, while the book tackles important themes, the combination of the disjointed narrative style and missing resolution left me underwhelmed. It’s a story that could’ve been far more impactful but ultimately felt more like an exploration of potential rather than a complete, satisfying narrative.

Thus why it is not a 5 for me.