A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews is billed as a memoir, but it’s an unconventional one. Told in short spurts that jump from past to present and back again, A Truce That Is Not Peace nonetheless uses repetition of images and themes to tie things together.
This structure likely works better for keeping reader interest than following a strict chronology. The threads of continuity—the image of a seemingly deranged skunk that keeps trying to get into the house because it was built where it once lived, the author’s ongoing musings about the lives of her sister and father, and references to a “Wind Museum” and how it ought to be structured, keep cropping up, providing touchstones for the reader. Toews builds on these images, adding context and depth as the story progresses.
A Truce That Is Not Peace features Toews’ signature humor, at times is self-deprecating, which echoes the narrative voice of some of her novels. Another connecting point with Toews’ fiction is the exploration of family relationships, particularly those between women. For example, there are a number of scenes depicted with Toews, her grandchildren, and her mother. In addition, Toews’ musings on her relationship with her sister is an important feature of the memoir.
Throughout the book, Toews’ examines and re-examines the question, “Why do I write?” In her explorations of this topic, she wonders about the meaningfulness of writing. At times, she questions choices she has made; for example, time spent on writing versus family life.
A Truce That Is Not Peace deals with difficult issues, as Toews explores mental health issues within her family, and the pain of loss, particularly the loss of her sister and father to suicide. But the language of the telling, though at times salty, is also lyrical and engaging. Though I wouldn’t classify A Truce That Is Not Peace as an easy read, it was an interesting journey, and one that kept me engaged.
Fans of Toews’ work may find this memoir appealing as a gateway to a deeper understanding of her writing. Having read A Truce That Is Not Peace will, I anticipate, give me some deeper insights as I read her novels. Writers may also find of interest Toews’ musings about what motivates us to write, and the significance of writing in one’s life. Those interested in memoir and the glimpse it affords into the inner life of others will find A Truce That Is Not Peace original and thought-provoking.

The only book by Miriam Toews that I've read (actually listened to) is "Women Talking" but I thought this memoir would be interesting. And it was. A very unusual presentation in that it's not linear but bounces all over, back and forth from the past to more recent times, consisting of remembrances, correspondence, quotes, etc. At first, I was like ????, but as I got used to the format I started to enjoy it more. She's certainly had some traumatic occurrences in her life but she has a great sense of humour and I'm really impressed by how much she loves her grandchildren. Her desire to create a wind museum is something totally different. Who knew there were so many different types of wind in the world?! Near the end of the book she mentions her mother's trigeminal neuralgia. This is an extremely painful disorder my sister suffered from years ago for which she underwent surgery. I've never heard it mentioned anywhere else until now. As fascinated as I was, I'm a total outlier and couldn't give the book any more than 3 stars. I'd be interested in reading some of the novels in her catalogue if I can find the time. Another Canadian author to be proud of!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada|Knopf Canada via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this memoir in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: August 26, 2025

I love Miriam Toew’s writing and was excited to see this memoir on netgalley! I enjoyed the writing and storytelling, though I did feel it was a bit all over the place at times. It was quite fast-paced and interesting to read about some of her life, creativity, and memories.

Such a privilege to read this. What a beautiful book, the structure reminded me of Sheila Heti’s Pure Colour, in the way it sort of challenged what can be contained in a book and how. This is a nonlinear memoir, but at first I did not realize it was a memoir which is a bit fun! There is a lot of discussion of what it means to write and discussion of suicide, and discussion of how the act of writing and suicide have similarity. So if that is a triggering topic, be warned, there is quite a lot of suicide mention.

I like the cover, the title is cool too

Miriam Toews' latest novel is a memoir, centered around the question of why she writes. The book is short and sweet, which worked for me, especially given the heavy content of the book. If you've read Toews before, you know that she has a dark sense of humor and also speaks a lot about suicide. I thought that the reflections in this book had a nice balance between darkness with comedic interjections. I find Toews story compelling and loved the way she examined writing and creativity in the book. The one section I wasn't as drawn to was her relationship with Wolfie. It felt a bit long to me and not as interesting (even though it was still important to the plot. All in all I loved this book and I'm so glad I got an opportunity to read it before publication!

This is a uniquely written memoir. Toews was asked to write a piece on 'Why do you write' for a literary event. This is an eclectic collection of memories. She writes about her family, life and the trauma she has experienced. There are moments you will be sad then you will find yourself laughing. There is not even flow to this book, but for Toews, this works.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Her writing is like a steady stream of consciousness like memories serving as fuel.

This memoir is that.

Fantastic and unlike any memoir I have ever read before. Toews' writing is absolutely beautiful and this reads like much more than a straightforward memoir. She blends genre doesn't use a standard linear narrative. This is certainly worth reading for the masterful prose alone, but besides that, Toews has lived an incredibly full and interesting life. This book made me want to know more of her own story, I hope she writes more autobiographical material in the future.

It’s been too long since I’ve read a book by Canadian author Miriam Toews. She has been a treasured auto-buy author since 2004 when I read her third novel, A Complicated Kindness.

Approaching Toews memoir, A Truce That Is Not Peace, with incredible anticipation, I found it completely engrossing.

The book explores the central question of why she writes, which leads to the explanation of the silence and suicide of her sister. With themes of family and identity and their shifting roles, the book is both profound and lightly absurd at the same time. A riveting and worthwhile read.


Expected Publication Date: August 26, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley, Miriam Toews, and Penguin Random House Canada for access to a digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

Jumping back and forth in time, a beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking memoir told in different segments.

This book hit close to home as I have a daughter with a similar whole dairy allergy as Miriam, and she had a similar reaction to her eczema as Miriam did as a baby, which she’s thankfully since outgrown with diet changes, and I’ve also lost a sibling (brother) to suicide.

Trigger warnings - discussion of Ableism/abuse of a person with a disability that the author witnessed but was not involved in, and use of the “r word,” talk of suicide occurrences of other writers/persons of note by type of death chosen. Discussion of a predatory teenage boy making pedophilic/perverted comments towards the author. Discussions of domestic violence, emotional/mental abuse by former partners, suicide, and suicide ideation.

Wow! What an incredible memoir. Miriam Toews once again delivers a powerful, emotionally rich story that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Told in a non-linear format, this memoir isn’t just a book—it’s an experience.

Toews’s writing is outstanding—honest, lyrical, raw, and completely original in its voice. She somehow makes you laugh through tears and cry through laughter. I laughed, I cried, I wanted more.

What’s most striking is how she proves she can write both fiction and memoir with equal brilliance. Whether she’s crafting a fictional narrative or sharing pieces of her own life, her storytelling is precise, powerful, and unforgettable.

The book offers an insightful look into mental health, generational trauma, and the painful yet empowering process of departing from a restrictive religious upbringing—particularly the Mennonite community that shaped her early years. It’s real life, told with compassion and brutal honesty.

I’m so moved I’ve already preordered it as a gift for my sister—because this is a book meant to be shared. Would I recommend it? Yes!! A thousand times yes.

Toews might have just shown me that she is one of the great writers of all time. Her voice is urgent, tender, and unforgettable.

I am almost afraid to write a review of Miriam Toews' new memoir, A Truce That Is Not Peace because I do not think I can do the eloquence, introspection and tragedy of this truly moving reflection justice. It is art. It is grief. It is intimacy. It is Toews, sharing her soul with us. The initial frame of the memoir comes from an invitation from the Conversacion Comite in Mexico City who has asked invitees, including Toews, to submit a paper and then come to speak in response to the question, "Why do you write?" While Toews was travelling Europe in her teens with her boyfriend Wolfie, her older sister, Miriam, asked her to write letters home. In composing the epistles of her European adventures, Toews discovered her life force as a writer. Miriam Toews writes because her sister asked her to - and that simple request opened Toews's creativity and began her lifelong process of bleeding on the page. Through a non-linear narrative laced with fond recollections of the loving chaos of her mother, children and grandchildren, snips of poetry and philosophy, especially by Chritsian Wilman, remembrances of her childhood and adolescence and a recurring motif of blood imagery, Miriam probes wounds that never heal in the wake of the suicides of both her father and sister. Repeated cameos of a deranged skunk, annoyed neighbours and an ex-husband who likes to meet in quadrants of Trinity Bellwoods Park round out this intense invitation into Toews's past and present. Find a quiet place, cradle this work gently in your hands, open your heart and allow the magic and power of Toews to flow over and through you.
@anabcderyofmuskokashistory

What an interesting read. I haven't read anything by this author before, so I didn't really know what to expect. It was very all over the place, but it worked. Things got revealed over time as we visited certain events throughout the book. The personal tragedy is awful, and it has clearly shaped her life. Overall this was a very interesting read although I did have to look up the author after to get more background details. This truly is a memoir and not an autobiography.

I feel like me and Miriam Toews could be friends, her writing is so honest and raw but steeped in good humour and sarcasm, it’s a perfect blend. She has long been an autobuy author for me but reading her non fiction and being let into her life and seeing the pain, heartbreak, triumph and wonder is special. I was particularly endeared to her life as a grandmother and her relationship with her mother it reminded me of my own and that is always a special feeling, that you share something sacred and similar to a respected and loved author.

A joy to read.

Having read many of Toews other books, I thought this was a wonderful exploration of the author behind the novels

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Are you related to Miriam Toews?"
The question is asked because I am also a Toews, I am also an author.
"No." I reply
I don't add, 'I don't know who she is,' because the question implies that everyone does. I don't want to appear dumb.
So, this book popped up on in an email from NetGalley and I went "AHA! The lady I should know that I don't know I will know."
I opened the book and fell into the mind of Miriam Toews.
When I hit the part where she and her sister were singing to their father—oh, God, the peel of laughter erupted and shook the trailer where we live. The dog jumped, The husband looked up from the Blue Jays game. (he never looks up from the Blue Jays game).
"Why are you laughing?" he askes.
I read him the section. He smiles and returns to the game. Some people get it, others like baseball.
I didn't read the book quickly. I savored the moments like one savors chocolate, coffee, Russell Crowe's beautiful mind waltzing with Jack Torrence.
"Oh you're a writer? Cute." until you see slides around inside.
In a Truce That is Not Peace you will hear the click, click, click, of scrabble tiles as they are shuffled into words that sometimes show sweet tenderness and other times, raw. inky. dark. Be prepared to walk with her mind in fragments. Hold the shattered bits loosely, don't demand they fit back together or you will cut yourself. By the end the you will see it isn't a mess of broken glass but a beautiful mosaic of different colours built into her own Sainte-Chapelle.
It's a pleasure to finally meet you Miriam Toews.

Miriam Toews grew up in Manitoba, I live in Manitoba as well, so I was very familiar with the places she mentions in her memoir.

Miriam gets quite personal with very difficult topics, emotions, family issues and mental health struggles.

I really enjoy this authors writing, she is one of my favorite authors. Not because she grew up in the same province as me, that's just a bonus. I love her writing because she is able to make a connection with her characters, she makes them real. There is something her readers can connect with, she is able to bring her characters to life. She does the same writing about herself, she makes herself relatable with her vulnerability, struggles, thoughts, emotions and experiences.

This was a wonderful memoir full of truth and emotion and I couldn't respect this author more. She truly is amazing and talented. I love how she doesn't add fluff to anything she writes, it is not needed.

4.5/5 ⭐

I am a HUGE fan of Miriam Toews, having read every book she has published. I discovered her when I was in high school, growing up in the same town and culture she grew up in, which often serves as the backdrop of her novels.

This memoir isn't your typical one; it jumps back and forth between time, space, memory, and imagination. Billy Ray-Belcourt helped me change my perspective on the art of storytelling and breaking free from the typical moulds, and I think this aligns with his world. Toews pushes boundaries with this, and that may deter some people.

Because Toews and I had similar upbringings, I have learned a lot about myself through her writing. I've felt seen and understood, and this book is no different. I realize I have always wondered how she navigates the world, especially because two of her immediate family members died by suicide. And this book provides a small window into her life, which I love! Just like her works of fiction, she somehow artfully weaves in humour amidst tragedy. Maybe (totally) humour is how she has coped with hardship? While reading this book takes some intense u-turns, from shock to laughing out loud, back to shock.

This book is an ode to writing and being an artist and why artists create. As someone who loves photography, I often have an unexpressable desire to take pictures, almost like a compulsion, so reading this I was thinking alot about why I do what I do.

Miriam Toews was asked why she writes. A Truce That Is Not Peace is her powerful, unflinching attempt to answer that question—honestly, openly, and on her own terms. Raw, intimate, heartbreaking, funny, painful, and deeply haunting, this brilliantly inventive memoir wasn’t what I expected. It was so much more.

Thank you to Miriam Toews, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. Publication date: August 26, 2025.

A Truce That Is Not Peace was my first time reading anything by Miriam Toews, and I can definitely see why she has such a dedicated following. Her writing is beautiful—lyrical, sharp, and emotionally rich. There were moments where her insight and style really stood out and pulled me in.

That said, I did find myself feeling a bit bored at times, especially in the slower sections. While the characters and themes are thoughtfully crafted, the pacing made it hard for me to stay fully engaged throughout.

Even though this book didn’t completely click with me, I’m really glad I read it—and I’m definitely interested in reading more from Miriam Toews in the future. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early!