National Network for Equitable Library Service

Refusing to accept being dismissed by a society that leaves little space for old women, three friends plan a daring and extraordinary adventure Hannelore, Clotilde, and Frau Schnadelhuber are tired of living in a world that does not allow old women to be seen or heard. Determined to prove their worth to a society devoted to youth, the three women set out to undertake a dangerous stunt that's not to be ignored. With the assistance of Cleopatra Maria, the 26-year-old genius granddaughter of Hannelore and grandniece of Clotilde, the four women steal the barrel from a travelling show and drive it across Canada with a plan to ride it over the Niagara Falls. Coloured by real-life quotes about daredevils who have actually attempted to take the plunge over the Falls, The Widows weaves together the stories of Hannelore, Clotilde, and Frau Schnadelhuber both before and during their grand adventure.