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Adieu, Betty Crocker

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Adieu, Betty Crocker

by Francois Gravel
Translated by: Sheila Fischman

Cormorant Books | August 4, 2005 | Trade Paperback

Adieu, Betty Crocker continues the very well received Fillion Family Saga, which began with A Good Life and was followed by The Extraordinary Garden. In this, the third volume, Benoît investigates the life of his mother''s sister, Arlette, who was a domestic presence in the extended family, but who remained a mystery to her nephew.

Arlette''s story appears simple at the first: she was a traditional stay-at-home mother in the 1960s and 1970s, with a home in the suburbs of Montreal, two children, and a husband who drove buses. She was always prepared for visitors, with Rice Krispies Squares or cookies on her ultra-spotless table.

When her husband died in a freak accident, she was left financially well off; she should have been comfortable. But something was wrong - something on which Benoît is not able to put his finger.

Through beautiful prose and a glorious translation, the reader discovers the story of Arlette in the voices of her nephew, her son, her daughter, and, finally, herself. A tragedy, the story of Arlette is also a story of grace, courage under pressure.

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Reviews

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    What an awesome book! The writing is rich, symbolic and intelligent. Not only is this book a quick read, but it is also enjoyable on a deeper level than the superficial. I laughed and cried and reminisced. It is very representative of Montreal and Quebec cultures.
    Francois Gravel's representation of domestic life is a breath of fresh air. Gravel depicts a stereotypically submissive female role (housewife) and transforms it into a rich text full of symbolism and meaning. By the end Ma Tante Arlette transcends the role of domestic to become an empowered domestic goddess.
    A worthwhile summer, fall, winter or spring read!

Details

From the Publisher

Adieu, Betty Crocker continues the very well received Fillion Family Saga, which began with A Good Life and was followed by The Extraordinary Garden. In this, the third volume, Benoît investigates the life of his mother''s sister, Arlette, who was a domestic presence in the extended family, but who remained a mystery to her nephew.

Arlette''s story appears simple at the first: she was a traditional stay-at-home mother in the 1960s and 1970s, with a home in the suburbs of Montreal, two children, and a husband who drove buses. She was always prepared for visitors, with Rice Krispies Squares or cookies on her ultra-spotless table.

When her husband died in a freak accident, she was left financially well off; she should have been comfortable. But something was wrong - something on which Benoît is not able to put his finger.

Through beautiful prose and a glorious translation, the reader discovers the story of Arlette in the voices of her nephew, her son, her daughter, and, finally, herself. A tragedy, the story of Arlette is also a story of grace, courage under pressure.

About the Author

Sheila Fischman is one of Canada''s premier translators. She has translated over 125 books and for her work was awarded the Molson Prize in 2008. In 2007, her translation of Jacques Poulin''s novel My Sister''s Blue Eyes was a finalist for the Governor General''s Literary Award for Translation, and in 2006, her translation of Pascale Quiviger''s novel The Perfect Circle was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.

François Gravel is the author of more than 25 books, four of which have been previously translated by Sheila Fischman and published by Cormorant Books. Francois has won the Governor General''s Literary Award for Children''s Literature for Deux heures et demi avant Jasmine, and has been a finalist for le Prix du Journal de Montréal, the Brive-Montréal Prize, and the Alvine-Bélisle Award. François lives in Montreal and teaches at the Collège Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieau.

Trade Paperback

165 Pages, 5.24 x 7.6 x 0.49 in

August 4, 2005

Cormorant Books

English


1896951600
9781896951607

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