Among all the books that have recently arrived in bookstores, here are a few that caught our attention.
Beatrice and Harry FangLawrence Hill
It was Stanley Péan who translated this new title by the Afro-Canadian novelist Lawrence Hill, author of the best-seller Aminata. In a note at the beginning of the book, he describes it as an unusual work, at the crossroads of magical realism and science fiction, and a “fable about the need to take care of each other in a world prey to the threats of racism and violence. A novel to discover around the quest for identity, justice and healing.
Beatrice and Harry Fang
Inkwell Memory
432 pages
White torture, Narges Mohammadi
Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 from Tehran prison where she was then held, testifies here about the Islamic Republic of Iran’s treatment of female prisoners politicians subjected to “white torture”, or total isolation. A unique story, informed by her personal experience and the interviews she conducted with other political prisoners or activists.
White torture
Albin Michel
288 pages
RenaissancesCyril Kamar
Singer and producer Cyril Kamar, aka K-Maro, tells his candid story in this intimate book – from his childhood in war-torn Lebanon to his great success, Woman like U, through the creation of his production house. He evokes family as much as exile and success, until a certain form of balance is achieved.
Renaissances
Hidden faces
224 pages
Feather portraitsMathieu Laca
This tiny book is a tribute by Montreal painter and writer Mathieu Laca to Quebec literature. Through textured paintings, reproduced in color in the book, and short texts, he invites us to a sort of tête-à-tête with 20 writers, including Mélikah Abdelmoumen, Nelly Arcan, Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette, Marie-Claire Blais, Michel Marc Bouchard, Simon Boulerice, Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay and even Leonard Cohen and Caroline Dawson.
Feather portraits
Editions of the passage
68 pages
When I was AmericaElsa Pepin
Ten years after its initial publication, the collection of short stories by author, journalist and presenter Elsa Pépin is republished with two previously unpublished texts. Fifteen short stories about family stories, disappointed loves and missed dates.
When I was America
X Y Z
184 pages
ShogunJames Clavell
The great classic that delves into 17th century feudal Japane century (recently adapted into a series and broadcast on Disney+) is now offered in a new edition. Both volumes are in bookstores.
Shogun
Callidor
646 pages