Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay won the 2022 Booksellers’ Prize this Wednesday evening for her novel La fille d’elle-moi. A distinction that moved the one who offered us the first French-language autofiction novel written by a trans woman in Quebec.
“Literature changes and saves lives, explained the winner to the Journal a few hours before being able to shake her prize in her hands. That’s what she did for me. I am moved to receive this award, especially moved for the little Gabrielle that I was and who did not let go. »
Surprise
The author admits to being very surprised to win this honor, even knowing that her novel – which tells the story of a young girl stuck in a boy’s body and her journey to find the strength to be herself. – had touched a large number of people since its release last year, in the midst of a pandemic.
“This book never ceases to amaze me,” she said with emotion. This award confirms that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life: write. I have never experienced this kind of joy that transcends all my expectations from this book that has an extraordinary trajectory! »
Especially since this novel is the fruit of a long creative process spanning fifteen years. The creator, who is also an actress, explains however that she felt, while working on the last two versions, that something was happening in the writing: when she decided to write with her guts and her heart.
“I think that when you write from the heart, it makes the hearts of sensitive people resonate too”, continues the one who believes that her novel came at a good time, when society is more receptive and open to the reality of the transidentity.
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