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The Party Wall

Catherine Leroux's short story collection, translated by Lazer Lederhendler, was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2016.

Catherine Leroux, translated by Lazer Lederhendler

CBC Books Posted: Mar 01, 2017 3:03 PM EST | Last Updated: November 16, 2018

Catherine Leroux'sThe Party Wallshifts between and ties together stories about pairs joined in surprising ways. A woman learns that she may not be the biological mother of her own son despite having given birth to him; a brother and sister unite, as their mother dies, to search for their long-lost father; two young sisters take a detour home, unaware of the tragedy that awaits; and a political couple when the husband accedes to power in a post-apocalyptic future state is shaken by the revelation of their own shared, if equally unknown, history.

Lyrical, intelligent and profound,The Party Wallis luminously human, a surreally unforgettable journey through the barriers that can both separate us and bring us together. (From Biblioasis)

The Party Wallwas shortlisted for the ScotiabankGiller Prize. The translation by Lazer Lederhendlerwon the Governor General's Literary Award for translation (French to English).

From the book

She is not shocked when the doctor announces the test results, but douard's shoulders collapse. The doctor tries to reassure them: since he is young and does not smoke his case ranks as top priority for an organ donation. From the doctor's tone of voice, Madeleine can easily see he still has not told them everything, and a little voice inside her silently implores him to hurry up.

"douard, I'd like to speak with your mother in private, if you don't mind. You can wait outside and fill out the forms in the meantime."

douard does as he's asked. The doctor turns to Madeleine and his expression grows solemn.

"Madame Sicotte, the tests show something else I'd like to discuss with you. Frankly, I've never had to broach this sort of matter with a patient before."

Madeleine says nothing, does not tremble, stays dry-eyed. She waits for the blade to drop.

From The Party Wall by Catherine Leroux, translated by Lazer Lederhendler 2016. Published by Biblioasis.

Interviews

Cinq a Six54:00Author Catherine Leroux and Translator Lazer Lederhendler share their music playlists

Today a conversation with Catherine Leroux - author of The Party Wall - which is a finalist for this years Giller prize. Joining her is Lazer Lederhendler who has just won the Governor General Award for his translation of Lerouxs book.

The Party Wall

Catherine Leroux, translated by Lazer Lederhendler

Other books by Catherine Leroux