Antonine Maillet, celebrated Acadian novelist and playwright, passed away at the age of 95 at her home in Montreal, according to her publisher. Pierre Filion, editor and director of Quebec publishing house Lemeac, confirmed her death on social media.
Born on May 10, 1929, in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, Maillet made history in 1979 as the first Canadian to win the prestigious Prix Goncourt for her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette. She earned a PhD in literature from Université Laval in Quebec City in 1970. Maillet’s works, including over 20 novels and 12 plays, were deeply rooted in the Acadian culture, reflecting the history, language, and traditions of her people.
A companion of the Order of Canada, member of the Order of New Brunswick, and commander of the Order of the Legion of Honour of France, Maillet’s legacy as a trailblazer in Canadian literature is indisputable.
Source: Swifteradio.com
