The Hayloft

The hayloft is the location for the majority of the events encased within the narrative present of the novel. After Peters has the men of Molotschna Colony imprisoned at the local jail, the women meet in the hayloft to discuss their potential reaction to the men's violent crimes against them. While in the hayloft the women hold a two day meeting. August takes the minute as they attempt to determine their plans to leave or stay in the colony. Although the loft offers an immediate hiding place from the men, the women grow increasingly worried that the men will return and discover them.

During their time in the hayloft, August records the sum of their meetings, tracking their complicated work towards determining the dimensions of their future. Eventually Klaas, Mariche's husband, discovers them and demands to know the substance of their meeting. After he leaves the loft...