21 Days in October

by Magali Favre

This work of historical fiction deals with the occupation of Quebec by the Canadian Army and the massive imprisonment of French-speaking Canadian artists and trade unionists, based on the pretext of two political kidnappings.   In October 1970, 21 days was the legal limit, under the War Measures Act, during which the Canadian government could hold prisoners incommunicado without charging them or justifying their arrest. Gaetan is 16. He has quit school, works in a factory in Montreal’s Saint-Henri district, and finds himself embroiled in a political conflict. His good friend is arrested for taking part in a union meeting, his father, for speaking out too loudly about city elections held during the crisis. By chance, Gaetan meets Louise, a young college student who, although she is from a different background and is involved with radical friends, takes a keen interest in him. In this troubled period of Quebec’s and Canada’s history, young people are confronted with unrelenting factory work, unemployment, harsh police and military action, and imprisonment, but also, hope, political commitment and first love.

170 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[Arielle Aaronson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might be biased since I've spent the last several months with this book in my back pocket. While not a work of great literature, this story knows just how to make you want to read just a bit further. With cliffhangers at every turn and short, plot-driven chapters, I'd be surprised if it took more than a few days to speed through the whole of it. Readers who are familiar with (or are willing to do research on) Quebec's October Crisis will appreciate the historical aspect. But anyone can understand how the novel's 15-year-old protagonist feels as he struggles to move beyond his narrow, predetermined past and into a future filled with possibility.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slim, fast-paced little novel is perfect for students who wish to understand a chapter in Québec’s history known as the October Crisis. Gaétan Simard, a French Canadian, is a factory worker and high school dropout. He is proud to be contributing to the family income and doesn’t miss the dullness of school. But as the police start arresting his friends and family as suspects in a terrorist plot, Gaétan starts to question the politics of his life. When he meets a young college girl she opens his mind to the possibility that there might be a future beyond the dull grind of a factory job and the subservience to an English boss. The novel addresses questions of how language defines us and is sprinkled with French phrases. Anyone who has ever visited Montreal will recognize familiar landmarks such as the Parc la Fontaine, Saint Catherine Street and the Old Dominion factory. The translation is elegant and spot-on. Highly recommended for students of French and history.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superbly translated story, giving great insight into an interesting time in Québec's history. The translator perfectly captures the character's perceptions and emotions. Mention of Montreal landmarks and streets tugged at my heart strings and made me miss my adopted second city.

[Peter McCambridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little novel. And the translation is really first class.