Louis: The Heretic Poems

by Gregory Scofield

Few figures in Canadian history have attained such an iconic status as Louis Riel. Celebrated Metis poet Gregory Scofield takes a fresh look at Riel in his new collection, Louis: The Heretic Poems, challenging traditional conceptions of Riel as simply a folk hero and martyr. By juxtaposing historical events and quotes with the poetic narrative, Scofield draws attention to the side of the Metis leader that most Canadians have never contemplated: that of husband, father, friend and lover, poet and visionary.

Scofield also uses the collection to raise attention about the more crucial historical events of Riel's lifetime--such as the Manitoba Resistance and the Northwest Resistance at Batoche--in order to illuminate the history of western Canadian Metis people and their struggles toward recognition. Scofield also examines Riel's own poetry, most of which was devoted to exploring religious themes. Accordingly, religious imagery features strongly in the collection, complemented by a poetic voice that is rhythmic, repetitious, and lush with potent symbolism and simple, powerful images.

Genres: Poetry, Indigenous

96 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2011

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Louis: The Heretic Poems Gregory Scofield has created a moving and troubling poetic biography of Louis Riel. Combining his own imaginings of Riel’s (and others’) poetic musings — in English, Cree and a little French — with found poetry from such sources as Canadian Government immigration propaganda and House of Commons debate records. Throughout is a dense net of Biblical allusion, as small portion of which I mention below. The result is a fascinating portrait of a brilliant man thrust through his life by sensuality and Messianic drive. Whether a madman or a prophet, the Riel Scofield brings us is wonderfully heretical. . . .

continued at: http://behindthehedge.wordpress.com/2...

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful verse cycle that focuses on Metis icon Louis Riel - as expected Scofield beautifully forces us to re-think issues around race, power and history in this exceptionally exciting collection

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read a little of Gregory Scofield's work before this, but this is easily my favourite so far. I thought the way Scofield blended his own writings with quotes from Riel and the people in his life worked really well. Louis: The Heretic Poems brings the story of Louis Riel alive without relying solely on his role as a rebel, and looking at his relationships with his friends and family.

Definitely recommended.

[Aly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pour ce recueil de poésie, l'auteur mélange sa propre prose à des extraits de phrases écrites par Louis Riel ou quelqu'un qui était proche de lui. Je crois que j'aurais mieux compris la démarche si j'avais plus de connaissances sur l'homme mais tout tournait tellement trop autour de la religion et c'est pourquoi je n'ai pas apprécié.

[Luce Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really conveys the depth of Riel's troubled life through poems and quotations from his diaries. Very poignant

[Jeffrey Greening · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in the “Louis Riel—Hero” camp of historians. This is a great collection of poems from a poet I have loved from the get go. It covers Riel’s whole life and death, comes from an authentic voice, and is well researched.