Rebecca was born in the Maelstrom, but you’re perhaps not so
prepared for the swirling, crushing vortex of Marie-Claire Blais’
latest offering. Her GG Award-winner, composed in one paragraph and
with pages-long sentences, is as clear as the Income Tax Act. It’s the
fourth novel in a series, which could be to blame for my confusion. But
there’s something more going on. Blais’ flowing, snapshot images
are mouth-wateringly vivid, while time, place or plot are difficult to
pinpoint. What you’re left with is a poignant and stirring feeling of
chaos.
This article appears in Nov 12-18, 2009.
