Born in Quebec City in 1915, Yves Thériault seemed destined for a
career as a
professional athlete. After having tried his hand at several different
trades, he published his first novel in 1944. The settings for his novels
are frequently in different parts of Canada and often feature characters of
ethnic origin. His novel Aaron (1954) deals with religious traditionalism
in Jewish society. His novels Agaguk (1958) and later on Agoak (1975)
examine Inuit attitudes. Ashini (1960), winner of the Governor General's
Literary Award, focuses on Indian problems. Thériault's novels are an
indictment of all forms of alienation, a passionate defence of a pagan joy
of life and of powerful instincts including violence. The author's works are
multifaceted, violent yet gentle, based on an understanding of life and the
fate of mankind. Yves Thériault died in Rawdon, Quebec in 1983.
(Sources : Petit Robert 2, Le Petit Jean and l'Encyclopedie
Hachette)
matawinie@pandore.qc.ca