DOMINIQUE FORTIER was born in 1972. She holds a Ph.D. in
literature from McGill University and is a respected editor and
literary translator. On the Proper Use of Stars, her debut
novel, was first published in Quebec in 2008 as Du bon usage des
étoiles and was shortlisted for the French language Governor
General’s Award for Fiction, the Prix des libraires du Québec, the
Grand Prix littéraire Archambault, and the Prix Senghor. It is
being adapted for the screen by Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y., The
Young Victoria). Dominique lives in Montreal.
SHEILA FISCHMAN is the award-winning translator of some
150 contemporary novels from Quebec. In 2008 she was awarded the
Molson Prize in the Arts. She is a Member of the Order of Canada
and a chevalier de l'Ordre national du Québec. She lives in
Montreal.
"Captivating. . . . Fortier’s clever, confident prose and
Fischman’s flawless translation [shift] effortlessly between the
comedy of manners of London society and the Gothic romance of the
Artic wilderness. . . . The novel pulses with adventure and
originality, and brims with promise for this gifted new voice in
fiction."
— National Post
"Immensely entertaining and well-researched. . . . Fortier injects
warm human blood, romance and beauty into the frigid, stark and
heartbreaking old story we all thought we knew."
— Gazette (Montreal)
"Debut novelist Dominique Fortier – beautifully translated by
Sheila Fischman – takes a new approach [to the Franklin story]: She
chooses elegance . . ."
— Toronto Star
"Rich [and] clever. . . . [The novel] is poetic and elegiac about
the lost and those left behind."
— Winnipeg Free Press
"Told in utterly original fashion, a historical novel with wit and
fascination. Fans of Arctic literature will not want to pass on
this one."
— SunTimes (Owen Sound)
"[Fortier’s] first novel is a shimmering hall of mirrors in which
the Northwest passage relects dreams of glory that will be fatally
shattered."
— L'actualité
"With this uncommonly mature debut novel, Dominique Fortier strikes
out for the furthest poles: for heroism, love, and plum pudding.
Inspired by a story we thought we knew, she creates a unique and
brilliant tale that navigates skilfully between dread and
dream."
— Nicolas Dickner, author of Nikolski
"Wow! Double wow!" were my first words upon reading On the Proper
Use of Stars. And what a great title! Especially when we understand
its meaning, or rather when, all of a sudden, between two pages, it
takes on its full significance and goes straight to the heart of
those who allow themselves to be romantics. And to dream. Of love.
Of adventure. A film is coming. Epic and Victorian! But first, to
be read for the elegance of the style and the storytelling ability
of this young writer, who made me want to sail away and explore . .
. two worlds: one of ice, the other of lace; of tea, and salt
water."
— Jean Marc-Vallée, director of The Young Victoria
"Enthralling. . . . The story leaves you both entertained and
agonizingly aware of the tragedy that awaits."
— Chatelaine
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