@article{2115,
  keywords = {Writing, Mennonites, Humor, Novels},
  author = {Avery Peters},
  title = {Tragedy and comedy in Mennonite life},
  abstract = {<p>[Magdalene Redekop] is a specialist in Low German, and since many in attendance also know the language, she indulges in a Low German-themed question structure based on the fingers on one's hand. Redekop's questions for [Miriam Toews] revolve around comedy (little finger), Mennonite identity (gold ringer), the theme of shunning in Toews's novels (long neck), Toews' role in Stellet Licht (butter licker), and finally, the role of art in the Mennonite community (lice killer). "I don't intentionally set out to write comedy," Toews replies. "It's actually the way I see the world. It's dark and tragic. It's also ridiculously absurd and funny." Toews lived through some difficult experiences, including the early deaths of her father and sister. She explains that in her life comedy provides relief. She remembers many bouts of laughter and how nobody made her laugh harder or longer than her sister. Miriam Toews visits St. Clair O'Connor' Community's Mennonite Heritage Club to discuss life as a Mennonite author. Her mother lives at the intergenerational housing project in Toronto.</p>
},
  year = {2013},
  journal = {Canadian Mennonite (Waterloo)},
  volume = {17},
  chapter = {33},
  month = {2013///},
  isbn = {1480-042X},
  language = {eng},
}