« Le Phénix »: An odyssey through time
Conversation with Marie-Anne Legault

Meet Quebec author Marie-Anne Legault to discuss her second novel, Le Phénix, published in France by Québec Amérique. Carried along by her sumptuous writing, this odyssey of captivating suspense takes us as far away as Babylon, to conquer the mysteries of genius and the saving virtues of art.

On a public piano in Old Montreal, a wanderer with a tortured mind performs a Rachmaninov concerto to perfection. The same man, unable to say his name or where he comes from, can transform a stew into a divine meal, solve impossible calculations and exchange rambling words in any language. The anonymous prodigy also scatters dazzling graffiti in dark corners, with an enigmatic oriental signature that casts a shadow of suspicion over him. An unlikely pairing of a dedicated, candid street worker and a stubborn, incredulous neuropsychologist sets out on the trail of the rare bird.

For nearly 50 years, Éditions Québec Amérique has been dedicated to developing a diverse, lively and rigorous body of French-language literature.

Originally from Abitibi, Marie-Anne Legault moved to Montreal to study communications. Over the years, her passion for passing on knowledge led her to write and edit various reference works for Québec Amérique. Le Phénix is her second novel.

The conversation will be hosted by Sophie Quetteville, literary events organiser and presenter.

It will be followed by a book sale and signing session. Exceptionally, the book sales will be cash-only (Le Phénix – 20 €: we appreciate visitors bringing exact change).