August and Ona’s Love

Women Talking

August Epp’s long attachment to Ona Friesen becomes a source of hope and an intimate farewell rather than a conventional union.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Name from Childhood A Name from Childhood from "Women Talking". The Memory He Keeps Asked What Remains August Epp is asked what he remembers of Molotschna.

A Name from Childhood from "Women Talking". The Memory He Keeps Asked What Remains August Epp is asked what he remembers of Molotschna.

The Memory He Keeps Asked What Remains August Epp is asked what he remembers of Molotschna. He answers, “Ona,” recalling childhood games, kisses, arguments, and shared invention. Love as a Route Home The memory helps the librarian suggest that he return. Ona is not merely part of his past; she gives direction to his attempt to live again.

A Favor Accepted A Favor Accepted from "Women Talking". August Agrees to Record Ona’s Request Ona asks August to create a written account of the women’s meetings.

A Favor Accepted from "Women Talking". August Agrees to Record Ona’s Request Ona asks August to create a written account of the women’s meetings.

August Agrees to Record Ona’s Request Ona asks August to create a written account of the women’s meetings. He accepts without reservation because he would do anything for her. Affection Kept Quiet He does not tell her the full force of his feelings. His task gives him a place near her without requiring her to answer the love he carries.

Hands Beneath the Stars Hands Beneath the Stars from "Women Talking". A Lesson in Direction The Southern Cross August shows Ona how to locate south by aligning her fist with the Southern Cross.

Hands Beneath the Stars from "Women Talking". A Lesson in Direction The Southern Cross August shows Ona how to locate south by aligning her fist with the Southern Cross.

A Lesson in Direction The Southern Cross August shows Ona how to locate south by aligning her fist with the Southern Cross. He holds her hand and experiences the moment as a prayer answered. The Question She Asks Ona already knows the trick, but asks him instead to explain why he went to jail. Their intimacy comes from curiosity and attention, not from his imagined role as teacher.

A Shared Understanding A Shared Understanding from "Women Talking". Love in the Meeting Small Signals August and Ona exchange glances over facts, maps, and remembered lessons.

A Shared Understanding from "Women Talking". Love in the Meeting Small Signals August and Ona exchange glances over facts, maps, and remembered lessons.

Love in the Meeting Small Signals August and Ona exchange glances over facts, maps, and remembered lessons. Their private connection persists inside the women’s public deliberation. A Difficult Separation August knows Ona is leaving and may not see her again. He remains present as her recorder, aware that his love cannot override her own course.

The Last Declaration The Last Declaration from "Women Talking". A Farewell Without Possession August Speaks As Ona leaves, August tells her that he will always love her.

The Last Declaration from "Women Talking". A Farewell Without Possession August Speaks As Ona leaves, August tells her that he will always love her.

A Farewell Without Possession August Speaks As Ona leaves, August tells her that he will always love her. The words arrive when she can no longer remain in the loft. Agata’s Consolation Agata says Ona loves him too, and loves everyone. The answer affirms affection while leaving Ona’s independence and the uncertain future intact.

During August’s conversation with the librarian in England

June 6, 2009, before the meeting begins

Night of June 6, 2009, on the wash-house roof

June 7, 2009, during the final meeting

June 7, 2009, at the foot of the loft ladder