Who Is Marie Laberge?

Marie Laberge is a Canadian author and playwright. She was born on November 29, 1950, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

Laberge is best known for her works of fiction, which often explore the themes of family relationships, identity, and personal growth. Some of her most popular novels include “Gabrielle,” “La Cérémonie des anges,” and “Juillet.” Many of her books have been translated into English and other languages, and she has received numerous awards and honors for her work.

In addition to her career as a novelist, Laberge has also made significant contributions to Canadian theater. She has written several plays, including “Le Polygraphe,” “Le Soulier de satin,” and “Les Héros de mon enfance,” which have been produced and performed in theaters across Canada.

Laberge has been recognized for her contributions to Canadian literature and theater with numerous awards and honors, including the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Prix des libraires du Québec, and the Order of Canada. She is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential contemporary Canadian authors

What did Marie Laberge do with Celine Dion?

Marie Laberge has worked with Celine Dion. She wrote the song “Le temps qui compte” for Dion’s album “D’elles,” which was released in 2007. The album featured songs written by female French-language songwriters, including Laberge, and was a commercial and critical success in Canada and Europe.

Selected Works by Marie Laberge

Juillet, novel

“Juillet” is a novel by Marie Laberge, originally published in French in 1989. The novel tells the story of a family, the Grondin family, who gather together at their summer cottage in Quebec to celebrate the birthday of the family matriarch, Madeleine. Over the course of the weekend, the family members must confront their past and present struggles and secrets, including strained relationships, infidelity, and long-held grudges.

The novel is structured as a series of interconnected vignettes, each narrated from the perspective of a different family member. Through these different viewpoints, Laberge explores the complexities and dynamics of family relationships, as well as larger themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time.

“Juillet” was widely praised for its insightful and empathetic portrayal of family life and was a commercial and critical success in Quebec and Canada. It has been translated into several languages, including English, and remains one of Laberge’s most popular and enduring works of fiction.

Le Faucon, play

“Le Faucon” is a play by Marie Laberge, first performed in Quebec in 1991. The play is set in medieval Europe and centers on the character of Godefroy, a knight who has returned from the Crusades to find his homeland in a state of chaos and corruption. Godefroy becomes embroiled in a power struggle between the church and the state, and must navigate complex political and personal relationships in order to protect his honor and his family.

The play explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle for power, as well as larger issues of morality and justice. It is known for its intricate and suspenseful plot, as well as its richly drawn characters and historical detail.

“Le Faucon” has been widely performed in Quebec and has been translated into several languages, including English. It is considered one of Laberge’s most successful works for the stage, and has been praised for its gripping drama and intricate plotting.

Quelques adieux, novel

“Quelques adieux” is a novel by Marie Laberge, originally published in French in 1992. The title translates to “Some Goodbyes” in English. The novel follows the story of a family living in Montreal, Canada, and focuses on the relationships between the family members as they confront various challenges and struggles.

The story is centered around two main characters: a mother, Madeleine, who is dealing with a serious illness, and her daughter, Anne, who is struggling to come to terms with her mother’s mortality while also dealing with her own personal issues and conflicts. As the novel unfolds, the family members grapple with questions of love, loss, and the passage of time, and must confront difficult truths about themselves and each other.

“Quelques adieux” is known for its poignant and intimate portrayal of family life, as well as its exploration of complex emotional and psychological themes. The novel was a critical and commercial success in Quebec and has been translated into several languages, including English. It remains one of Laberge’s most widely read and admired works of fiction.

Le poids des ombres, novel

“Le poids des ombres” is a novel by Marie Laberge, originally published in French in 1994. The title translates to “The Weight of Shadows” in English. The novel tells the story of a family living in Montreal, Canada, and centers around a tragedy that deeply affects all of its members.

The story is narrated by several characters, including the mother, father, and two adult children, who each offer their own perspectives on the events that transpire. At the heart of the story is the death of the youngest son, who is killed in a car accident. The novel explores how the family members cope with their loss and how their grief impacts their relationships with each other.

“Le poids des ombres” is known for its emotional intensity and raw depiction of grief and loss. The novel also delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the bonds that tie families together. It was a critical and commercial success in Quebec and has been translated into several languages, including English. The novel is considered one of Laberge’s most powerful and moving works of fiction.

Annabelle, novel

“Annabelle” is a novel by Marie Laberge, originally published in French in 1996. The story revolves around the character of Annabelle, a young woman who has been living in a psychiatric hospital for several years. The novel explores her struggles with mental illness, as well as her relationships with her family members and the hospital staff.

Annabelle’s story is told through the perspectives of several characters, including her mother, father, and sister. As the novel unfolds, we learn more about the events that led to Annabelle’s hospitalization, as well as the complex dynamics between her family members.

“Annabelle” is known for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of mental illness and its impact on both the individual and those around them. The novel also delves into themes of family, love, and redemption. It was a critical and commercial success in Quebec and has been translated into several languages. The novel is considered one of Laberge’s most powerful and insightful works of fiction.

La cérémonie des anges, novel

“La cérémonie des anges” is a novel by Marie Laberge, originally published in French in 1998. The story centers around two women, Emilie and Clara, who become friends while receiving treatment for cancer in a hospital. The novel follows their journey as they navigate the physical and emotional challenges of their illness, and as they forge a deep and enduring friendship.

As Emilie and Clara confront their mortality, they reflect on their pasts and their relationships with their families and loved ones. The novel also explores the broader themes of love, loss, and the human experience of suffering.

“La cérémonie des anges” is widely regarded as one of Laberge’s most moving and poignant works of fiction. It was a critical and commercial success in Quebec and has been translated into several languages. The novel is known for its honest and compassionate portrayal of the human experience of illness and mortality, as well as its celebration of the power of friendship and human connection.

Adélaïde, novel

“Adélaïde” is a novel by Marie Laberge, originally published in French in 2001. The story follows Adélaïde, a woman who has recently lost her husband and is struggling to come to terms with her grief. As she tries to navigate her new life, she is confronted with a series of challenges and emotional upheavals.

Adélaïde is a character who is deeply introspective and reflective. The novel delves into her innermost thoughts and feelings as she grapples with her loss and tries to find meaning in her life. Through Adélaïde’s journey, the novel explores the themes of love, loss, and the process of grief.

“Adélaïde” is widely regarded as one of Laberge’s most poignant and moving works of fiction. It has been translated into several languages and has been praised for its honest and compassionate portrayal of the human experience of grief and loss. The novel is known for its lyrical prose and its nuanced portrayal of a woman’s journey towards healing and acceptance.

Florent, novel

“Florent” is a novel by Marie Laberge, originally published in French in 2002. The story follows Florent Boissonneault, a man in his seventies who is struggling to come to terms with his past and his present. As he reflects on his life, he begins to realize that he has lived a life full of regrets and missed opportunities.

The novel is set in Quebec and explores themes such as family, love, and the passage of time. The narrative is structured around a series of flashbacks and memories, which paint a vivid picture of Florent’s life and the events that have shaped him. Through his recollections, the reader is introduced to a cast of memorable characters, including Florent’s wife, his children, and his friends.

As the novel progresses, Florent must confront the mistakes he has made and the opportunities he has missed. He must come to terms with his mortality and his legacy, and ultimately find a way to make peace with his past. “Florent” is a poignant and moving work of fiction that explores the human experience of regret, redemption, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Sans rien ni personne, novel

“Sans rien ni personne” is a novel written by Marie Laberge and published in 2007. The title can be translated to “Without anything or anyone.” The story follows the life of Madeleine, a woman who has spent her entire life caring for others and putting their needs before her own. She has never married or had children of her own and has always felt like she was missing something in her life.

As Madeleine reaches her seventies, she finds herself alone and facing her own mortality. She begins to reflect on her life and the choices she has made, questioning whether she made the right decisions and wondering if it’s too late to change them.

The novel explores themes of aging, loneliness, and the search for purpose and meaning in life. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by older adults and its insightful exploration of the human condition

Revenir de loin, novel

“Revenir de loin” is a novel written by Marie Laberge and published in 2011. The title can be translated to “Coming back from afar.” The story follows the life of Catherine, a woman who has faced many challenges throughout her life, including abuse, addiction, and mental illness.

Despite these struggles, Catherine has managed to build a successful career and a loving relationship with her partner, Jean-François. However, when Jean-François is diagnosed with cancer, Catherine is forced to confront her past and the traumas that she has been trying to forget.

As Catherine navigates the challenges of caring for her partner and facing her own demons, she begins to reflect on her life and the people who have helped her along the way. The novel explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.

“Revenir de loin” has been praised for its frank and compassionate portrayal of mental illness and addiction, as well as its insights into the complexities of human relationships. It is a moving and powerful story of one woman’s journey to find healing and redemption.