Books and literature
TRUE TO THE WORD
The vigour of the world of literature, books and publishing in Québec is such that it constantly overflows its market and borders. It is a world that puts great store in creativity and diversity of approach, in everything from literature about historical and contemporary events by Quebecers to the use of technology to support the transition to electronic books.
Fiction and fact
Whether its subjects and viewpoints are local or international, contemporary Québec literature has both popular and experimental works in its repertoire, features historical literature and science fiction, and plays with drama, adventure and poetry. This fantastic range is reflected in the hundreds of literary works published every year, but makes it difficult to provide an overview of this industry.
One thing is certain: Several figures have left their mark in the past few decades, such as Michel Tremblay, Marie Laberge, Arlette Cousture, Dany Laferrière, Marie-Claire Blais and Yves Beauchemin, who have won over the general public time and again and seen their books top bestseller lists.
Other writers have also made their mark in a variety of literary genres. Here are a few who have had long, successful careers:
- Robert Lalonde
- Chrystine Brouillet
- Suzanne Jacob
- Jean-François Beauchemin
- Louis Hamelin
- Andrée-A. Michaud
- François Gravel
- Jean Barbe
- Stanley Péan
- Pierre Morency
- Monique Proulx
- Gilles Archambault
- Victor-Lévy Beaulieu
- Jacques Poulin
- Micheline Lachance
- Alain Beaulieu
Outside of fiction, many important essayists have produced major works that have in some cases become international references, such as Charles Taylor (philosophy), François Ricard (literary critic) and Gérard Bouchard (history and society).
