Sometime in the mid-1970s, I read Edmund Wilson’s O Canada, An American’s Notes on Canadian Culture. As far as I know, it’s one of the few—if not only—books on Canadian writers written by a major American author. In his book, I read about writers I’d never heard of before and that probably many Americans do not know to this day. One of them was Marie-Claire Blais. Wilson writes rhapsodically about Blais, who wrote in French. He says she is “in a class by herself” and “may possibly be a genius.” Because of his enthusiasm for Blais, I read the translation of her book,
I read that novel, could I have read it in French? Quite possibky as I was living in France at the time. And was equally moved and somewhat distressed by it. Thanks for the reminder and for your memory.
I read that novel, could I have read it in French? Quite possibky as I was living in France at the time. And was equally moved and somewhat distressed by it. Thanks for the reminder and for your memory.
Must check her out. You've just given me an idea for an article (or a book). Thanks, pal.