Art and Mental Health Novels: All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews

A novel written by an author whose father and sister died by suicide, an experience woven subtly and not-so-subtly through this beautiful work

"All My Puny Sorrows" is a novel by Canadian author Miriam Toews. It was first published in 2014 and has received critical acclaim for its exploration of family relationships, mental illness, and suicide. 

The book tells the story of two sisters, Elfrieda and Yolandi, who grew up in a small Mennonite community in Canada. Elfrieda, an accomplished concert pianist, struggles with severe depression and suicidal ideation, while Yolandi, a writer and mother, tries to support her sister while dealing with her own feelings of helplessness and grief.

Through their relationship and shared experiences, the novel explores themes of love, loss, family dynamics, and the impact of mental illness on individuals and their loved ones. The book has been praised for its emotional depth, sensitive treatment of difficult topics, and its nuanced portrayal of mental illness and suicide.

Art and Mental Health in All My Puny Sorrows

"All My Puny Sorrows" explores the relationship between art and mental health in a number of ways. Elfrieda, one of the novel's main characters, is an accomplished concert pianist who struggles with severe depression and suicidal ideation. Throughout the book, her music is depicted as both a source of joy and a source of pain. Her love of music is deeply intertwined with her struggles with mental illness, as her depression and suicidal thoughts often prevent her from playing the piano, even though it is one of her greatest passions.

You are about to hit the paywall. Writers should be paid for their work. However, we all have unique financial situations, so I offer a Sliding Scale set of rates beginning at $10/year.