Sophie Bienvenu Books

Set in Montreal's Centre-Sud, the story follows thirteen-year-old Aï: cha, who grapples with her complicated feelings towards her mother and the absence of her father. Her friendships with local prostitutes Mel and Jo, and a budding romance with musician Baz, highlight her rebellious spirit and yearning for connection. The novel, a poignant coming-of-age tale, unfolds through Aï: cha's raw statement to a social worker, capturing her tumultuous journey and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality.

Mathieu lives in the street by choice, eschewing drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. His main companion is his dog Sam, a pitbull, who he says has helped keep him alive. When Sam disappears, Mathieu’s frantic search to find her brings him into confrontation with the secrets of his own past and the pain and grief that drove him onto the street. The novel is a monologue from Mathieu’s point of view, a sort of confessional in which Mathieu opens up to the reader. In flashbacks to his past, we discover the tragedies of his life and the people he has lost. In this book about survivors, Bienvenu takes a tender look at the underside of our cities, and the people that get left behind.

The narrative follows the intertwined lives of Florence Gaudreault and her son over two decades, exploring their experiences through the perspectives of twenty different characters who intersect with them. Each character offers a unique lens, revealing how their stories and choices impact Florence and her son's journey in Montreal. This multi-faceted approach delves into themes of identity, connection, and the ripple effects of personal decisions.