All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews

I have previously enjoyed Miriam Toews work...It's always upbeat, humorous and well written. Having heard the author interviewed on CBC, I was excited to pick up her new book at the library, and read it on vacation. 

Here's what it's about: 

"Elf wants to die. A lifelong sufferer of depression, she just wants to end her life. Yoli, her sister, wants Elf to live. Yoli loves Elf and she can’t understand how someone who has it all - beauty, charm, a wicked sense of humour, a brilliant career as a famous pianist, a loving husband - could want out of this life. Yoli has none of these things, and she is determined to keep her sister alive." (Thanks to Rhonda from GoodReads for this summary.)

In this passionate novel, Miriam Toews brings us the story of two sisters who are very different and yet, appreciate each other's experiences. They love each other, and share mutual respect. But at the core, they can't help each other. Toews creates an irresistible voice and mixes laughter with heartwrenching poignancy. I really enjoyed this novel and like her other novels, I find her writing a pleasure to read. It reads like poetry. 

If I were forced to find fault with this novel, I would suggest that it was slightly slow on the plot. I felt that there might have been room for more to happen with Yoli, her mother or Elf's husband. 

All in all though, I thought it was a good read.