Pélagie-la-charrette

More about the book

In 1979, Acadian novelist Antonine Maillet won the prestigious Prix Goncourt for her novel, Pélagie-la-Charette, declaring, "I have avenged my ancestors." Goose Lane Editions re-issues this classic to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Acadie's founding and the debut of its musical adaptation, Pélagie: An Acadian Odyssey, directed by Michael Shamata. The musical features lyrics by Vincent de Tourdonnet and music by Allen Cole, and will be showcased at the Atlantic Theatre Festival in Nova Scotia after successful runs in Toronto and Ottawa. This humorous and lyrical tale follows Pélagie, a resilient widow, on her journey home after the Great Disruption of 1755, when British forces deported Acadians from their ancestral lands. Families were torn apart as they were forcibly sent to various locations along the eastern US coast and Louisiana. Years later, when news spread that the British would allow their return, many, including Pélagie, sought to reclaim their homeland. After enduring fifteen years as a slave in Georgia, Pélagie, motivated by love for her family and a heroic sea captain named Beausoleil, embarks on a 3,000-mile trek back to Acadie. Her cart, pulled by six oxen, soon gathers a diverse group of fellow Acadians, culminating in a decade-long journey along the Atlantic coast to their childhood homes.