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Zone
Il y a soixante ans naissaient Tarzan, Ciboulette, Moineau et leurs acolytes, avec leur idéalisme, leur esprit de révolte, leur jeunesse émouvante. Issu du Québec des années 1950, ce groupe d’adolescents rebelles vivant de contrebande a su capter l’état d’esprit d’une époque en crise où fermentaient les éléments d’un vaste renouveau politique et culturel. Directe, simple et en quelque sorte éternelle, Zone est devenue un phare. L’argument ? Passe-Partout veut remplacer Tarzan à la tête de leur bande. Sa trahison alerte les autorités et entraîne la condamnation de Tarzan pour meurtre, transformant Ciboulette, qui est amoureuse de lui, en héroïne tragique. Une réédition de cette histoire d’amour et de subversion est proposée ici, avec une préface de l’auteur qui retrace son voyage dans l’écriture. Voyage fondateur de notre dramaturgie...
159 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 18, 2018
petition for french class to stop making me read shitty books, thanks!!!
October 21, 2013
Tarzan, Ciboulette, Moineau, Passe-Partout, who could forget these timeless characters? Ciboulette might have pointy teeth, and a flat chest, but she has light in her eyes. That's enough for me. After reading this play, I promptly burned my harmonica.
May 6, 2022
ciboulette: im ugly
tarzan: yeah ur right
tarzan: yeah ur right
February 26, 2017
Parce que cette pièce est en français, j'essayerai d'écrire ma critique dans la même façon. (bear with me people)
Premièrement, et plus important, Zone n'est pas une pièce heureuse. Il y a beaucoup des thèmes sombres à propos d'une certaine «zone de société» et choses qui se passent même qu'il y a seulement trois actes.
Dans l'ensemble, je pensais que la pièce était très significative et facile à lire (quelque chose très importante pour moi parce que si je ne comprends pas quoi je lire, je ne peux pas l'aimer) . Plusieurs fois, je m'ai trouvée la lisant pour rire, pas parce que mon professeur m'a dite, seulement parce que je voulais lire.
J'aimais les personnages et la direction que l'histoire a suivi. En général, une pièce absolument agréable. Je la recommande si tu veux lire quelque chose qui est captivante mais aussi facile à suivre. c:
Premièrement, et plus important, Zone n'est pas une pièce heureuse. Il y a beaucoup des thèmes sombres à propos d'une certaine «zone de société» et choses qui se passent même qu'il y a seulement trois actes.
Dans l'ensemble, je pensais que la pièce était très significative et facile à lire (quelque chose très importante pour moi parce que si je ne comprends pas quoi je lire, je ne peux pas l'aimer) . Plusieurs fois, je m'ai trouvée la lisant pour rire, pas parce que mon professeur m'a dite, seulement parce que je voulais lire.
J'aimais les personnages et la direction que l'histoire a suivi. En général, une pièce absolument agréable. Je la recommande si tu veux lire quelque chose qui est captivante mais aussi facile à suivre. c:
February 16, 2016
This play is probably the worst play that I’ve read in my life. There’s absolutely not an ounce of joy I feel when I read this book. My French teacher gave us this play to read. That’s basically why I read it.
Ciboulette is the dumbest person on the planet and so is Tarzan for choosing that gang name for himself. Seriously.
If you EVER have to read this play in class, prepare yourself for a long, painful, reading session.
Ciboulette is the dumbest person on the planet and so is Tarzan for choosing that gang name for himself. Seriously.
If you EVER have to read this play in class, prepare yourself for a long, painful, reading session.
January 23, 2022
This book was a required reading for my French class, and I would like to burn this play, and the man who thought that it was even a good idea to write some absolute garbage like this.
The characters have such annoying, abstract, stupid names, being Ciboulette (which translates to chives), Passe-Partout (master key), Tarzan, Tit-Noir (little black) and Moineau (sparrow). It isn't even explained in this book why Ciboulette is called that, and if that is even her real name. Throughout the 120ish pieces of tree carcass, she repeatedly reinforces the narrative of "I'm not like other girls." She even has the audacity to add the chunk of "I smuggle cigarettes for a living."
And if that isn't weird, or creepy enough, little Ms. Discount Onion is in love with a man 5 years older than her. In a normal relationship, that isn't that weird, but she's 16, and Tarzan, is 21. The entire gang sees him as a messiah, and have even erected a throne for him.
I don't know what it is about books that are chosen for French classes, but they all seem to have a weird relationship in them, with someone way younger or older than them, (ex. La Route de Chlifa) or have some weird revenge plot to them, (Le Compte de Monte-Cristo)
This book is terrible, and I abhor this book with every part of my being. 1/5 stars.
The characters have such annoying, abstract, stupid names, being Ciboulette (which translates to chives), Passe-Partout (master key), Tarzan, Tit-Noir (little black) and Moineau (sparrow). It isn't even explained in this book why Ciboulette is called that, and if that is even her real name. Throughout the 120ish pieces of tree carcass, she repeatedly reinforces the narrative of "I'm not like other girls." She even has the audacity to add the chunk of "I smuggle cigarettes for a living."
And if that isn't weird, or creepy enough, little Ms. Discount Onion is in love with a man 5 years older than her. In a normal relationship, that isn't that weird, but she's 16, and Tarzan, is 21. The entire gang sees him as a messiah, and have even erected a throne for him.
I don't know what it is about books that are chosen for French classes, but they all seem to have a weird relationship in them, with someone way younger or older than them, (ex. La Route de Chlifa) or have some weird revenge plot to them, (Le Compte de Monte-Cristo)
This book is terrible, and I abhor this book with every part of my being. 1/5 stars.
October 18, 2020
This was like a mix between The Outsiders and Six of Crows but definitely not as enjoyable...
October 20, 2022
would probably be good as kindling
April 22, 2021
Had to read this play script for French class. The beginning was alright and I actually found it pretty cool... but the ending fell apart faster than an overstuffed sandwich. So much so that it spoiled the book.
The setting of the novel was pretty neat, a band of teens are illegally crossing the US/Canada border, buying cigarettes in the US and selling them in Canada for a profit. The characters have very stereotypical personalities (which is to be expected for a play) but they were underexplored and some questions were raised as to why a few of the characters were even mentioned at all. I think that if the plot was turned into a novel and the ending was rewritten, it could make for a pretty decent book.
But that was not the case here. The ending was catastrophically bad. The 16 year old girl suddenly declares her love for the 21 year old band leader and it suddenly turns into an almost Romeo-and-Juliet-like melodrama. It brought my hopes of reading a decent book in French class a bit too high and then casually smashed them into the floor like a dramatic cat swatting a glass off a table to get their owner's attention.
All in all it was too dramatic, the ending was rushed... and CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN WHY THE GIRL'S NAME IS CHIVES? Like the herb? anyway.
The setting of the novel was pretty neat, a band of teens are illegally crossing the US/Canada border, buying cigarettes in the US and selling them in Canada for a profit. The characters have very stereotypical personalities (which is to be expected for a play) but they were underexplored and some questions were raised as to why a few of the characters were even mentioned at all. I think that if the plot was turned into a novel and the ending was rewritten, it could make for a pretty decent book.
But that was not the case here. The ending was catastrophically bad. The 16 year old girl suddenly declares her love for the 21 year old band leader and it suddenly turns into an almost Romeo-and-Juliet-like melodrama. It brought my hopes of reading a decent book in French class a bit too high and then casually smashed them into the floor like a dramatic cat swatting a glass off a table to get their owner's attention.
All in all it was too dramatic, the ending was rushed... and CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN WHY THE GIRL'S NAME IS CHIVES? Like the herb? anyway.
April 21, 2024
I’d like to burn the author who wrote this book, and the book itself too
May 10, 2023
Okay, I really struggled with what to rate this book. On one hand, I really liked the story and characters but on the other hand, I really hated the ending. I loved the characters, so much and it had the potential to have a gut wrenching ending, but the author just threw away all the build up and gave the play the most cliche and terrible ending ever.
A summary-
The play follows a group of young adults who are doing contrebande of cigarettes on a large scale in 1950’s Montreal. Act one sets the scene and we get to meet the characters, act two is the interrogation where we truly deep dive into the personality and psychological traits of each character and the third and final act is the dramatic ending that the book has been leading up to (except it wasn’t that dramatic and it was very disappointing for me).
The characters-
Ciboulette (translation: Chives): Ciboulette is originally portrayed as a young girl who has grown up up harsh environment and has turned into a strong and tough young woman. Sadly, the farther into the book I got the more Ciboulette is portrayed as a naive and fearful little girl who needs a big strong man in her life and who is blinded by love. She is also a 16 year old (and the youngest of the band), who seems to be portrayed as though she is a small child, which as a young woman I don’t love.
Moineau (translation: song bird): Moineau is by far my favorite character, and I honestly wish we saw more of him in the book. Moineau is the sensitive musician, who is a loyal and protective friend. He plays the harmonica and dreams of being a musician.
Passe-Partout (translation: passes through everywhere): Passe-Partout is a thief who has his reasons. He is one of the more morally questionable characters. Passe-Partout also has a huge ego, is super arrogant, and cannot follow the rules.
Tit-Noir (translation: Little Black): We really don’t learn much about Tit-Noir. We know he’s an okay guy and that he’s the accountant but not much else is mentioned.
Tarzan: Tarzan is the leader of the group. Honestly he is one of the main characters of the book but is also one of my least favorites. He is convinced that he was doing the right thing but in my opinion he is pretty naive and a lot of his decisions are VERY morally questionable. Otherwise I can’t mention much else without giving major spoilers.
Johnny: The driver, we know he’s trustworthy but that’s about it. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even talk once.
Ledoux and Roger: Ledoux is a detective and Roger is like an officer. Ledoux is honest but regardless I don’t like his character. Both Ledoux and Roger treat the kids without any respect, like they are complete children and have no compassion.
The chief of police: The chief shows compassion, intelligence, respect and understanding. Overall he is a good guy, and is another of my favorite characters even though we don’t know much about him.
Even though I’ve complained a lot, overall, I did enjoy reading the book (up until the last like 5-10 pages). The characters were well developed and the concept was good, but I was really hoping for a much grander ending. I wish all of the characters would have had more to do with the ending, because I felt like they were so well developed that it felt weird to just throw them away at the end. Honestly I have super mixed feeling about this book so I am going to go right in the muffle at 3 stars.
*** Little disclaimer, I did read and study this book in French, however I am fully bilingual and am confident in my ability to read in French. I wrote this review in English because that is the language of most of my other reviews and because English translations of the book are available.
A summary-
The play follows a group of young adults who are doing contrebande of cigarettes on a large scale in 1950’s Montreal. Act one sets the scene and we get to meet the characters, act two is the interrogation where we truly deep dive into the personality and psychological traits of each character and the third and final act is the dramatic ending that the book has been leading up to (except it wasn’t that dramatic and it was very disappointing for me).
The characters-
Ciboulette (translation: Chives): Ciboulette is originally portrayed as a young girl who has grown up up harsh environment and has turned into a strong and tough young woman. Sadly, the farther into the book I got the more Ciboulette is portrayed as a naive and fearful little girl who needs a big strong man in her life and who is blinded by love. She is also a 16 year old (and the youngest of the band), who seems to be portrayed as though she is a small child, which as a young woman I don’t love.
Moineau (translation: song bird): Moineau is by far my favorite character, and I honestly wish we saw more of him in the book. Moineau is the sensitive musician, who is a loyal and protective friend. He plays the harmonica and dreams of being a musician.
Passe-Partout (translation: passes through everywhere): Passe-Partout is a thief who has his reasons. He is one of the more morally questionable characters. Passe-Partout also has a huge ego, is super arrogant, and cannot follow the rules.
Tit-Noir (translation: Little Black): We really don’t learn much about Tit-Noir. We know he’s an okay guy and that he’s the accountant but not much else is mentioned.
Tarzan: Tarzan is the leader of the group. Honestly he is one of the main characters of the book but is also one of my least favorites. He is convinced that he was doing the right thing but in my opinion he is pretty naive and a lot of his decisions are VERY morally questionable. Otherwise I can’t mention much else without giving major spoilers.
Johnny: The driver, we know he’s trustworthy but that’s about it. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even talk once.
Ledoux and Roger: Ledoux is a detective and Roger is like an officer. Ledoux is honest but regardless I don’t like his character. Both Ledoux and Roger treat the kids without any respect, like they are complete children and have no compassion.
The chief of police: The chief shows compassion, intelligence, respect and understanding. Overall he is a good guy, and is another of my favorite characters even though we don’t know much about him.
Even though I’ve complained a lot, overall, I did enjoy reading the book (up until the last like 5-10 pages). The characters were well developed and the concept was good, but I was really hoping for a much grander ending. I wish all of the characters would have had more to do with the ending, because I felt like they were so well developed that it felt weird to just throw them away at the end. Honestly I have super mixed feeling about this book so I am going to go right in the muffle at 3 stars.
*** Little disclaimer, I did read and study this book in French, however I am fully bilingual and am confident in my ability to read in French. I wrote this review in English because that is the language of most of my other reviews and because English translations of the book are available.
October 13, 2022
Wow… meilleur livre au monde. Un Classic québécois que tous les vrais de vrais québécois devrait lire. Que du suspense et je ne m’attendais tellement pas à la mort de Tarzan, rien n’aurait pu me préparer à ça, surtout pas le titre de l’acte III. Anyway, masterpiece right here.
March 23, 2017
so bad. and stupid
May 4, 2023
C’est un vraiment bon livre écrit sous forme de pièce de théâtre. Ça m’a fait sortir de ma zone de confort et j’ai adoré. C’est un petit livre qui se lit très très rapidement. Je conseille a 100%
October 10, 2018
CETTE FIN EST EN TRAIN DE ME TUER
November 14, 2022
Ciboulette, you can do so much better 😭
May 30, 2023
Didn’t blow me away and also you can’t make the reader like and care for the characters in around 100 pages so yeah :/
It’s better as a play and not a book
It’s better as a play and not a book
Read
January 9, 2025*tarzan in jail*
Moineau: This couldn't get any worse, could it?
Passe-Partout: Sure it could, just give me a minute.
*Passe-Partout trying to become the new leader of the gang*
Passe-Partout: Just trust me. Have I ever put you in an unsafe or uncomfortable situation?
Ciboulette: All the time.
Passe-Partout: Then you should be used to it by now.
Tarzan: Do you know that we are made out of atoms?
Tarzan: And atoms never touch each other.
Tarzan: So in my defense, officer. I did not touch these cigarettes.
Tit-Noir: Did you buy eggs like I asked?
Moineau: Even better!
Tit-Noir: What did you-
Moineau: *holding up a chicken* Her name is Fluffy.
Ciboulette: I don’t need any more friends. I already have three.
Moineau: Don’t you mean four?
Ciboulette: *looks directly at Passe-Partout*
Ciboulette: No, I’m pretty sure I meant to say three.
*tarzan about to cross the border*
Passe-Partout: You can do it Tarzan!
Passe-Partout: But if you can't, at least your death will be quick, painless, and really cool to watch.
Passe-Partout: Might I make a suggestion you possibly won’t like?
Ciboulette: Do you make any other kind?
Moineau: I'm not that stupid!
Ciboulette: Moineau, you literally ate the wax from a babybel.
Moineau: PASSE-PARTOUT TOLD ME IT WAS EDIBLE!
*after the guy in a raincoat came to their hideout*
Passe-Partout: Hold on, I can explain!
Tarzan: Really? Can you now?
Passe-Partout: I can if you give me a minute to think of a convincing lie.
Moineau: *throwing rocks at the hanger window*
Tit-Noir: You have a phone for a reason!
...
Tit-Noir: Did you just throw your phone at the window?
Tarzan: I'm at a loss for words!
Passe-Partout: Despite being ‘at a loss for words’, Tarzan yelled at me for the next 45 minutes.
*Tarzan still hasn't come back from the US*
Ciboulette: I have a bad feeling about this...
Passe-Partout: What do you mean?
Ciboulette: Don't you ever get that little voice in your head that tells you if you're going to get into trouble?
Passe-Partout: No?
Ciboulette: That actually explains so much.
Johny: If you had to choose between Passe-Partout and all the money I have in my wallet, which would you choose?
Ciboulette: That depends, how much money are we talking about?
Passe-Partout: Ciboulette!
Johny: 63 cents.
Ciboulette: I'll take the money.
Passe-Partout: CIBOULETTE!!!
Ciboulette: François.... if you survive.... please write me a letter....
Tarzan: bruh I can't write lol
Tarzan: ok im going out there specifically to die
Ciboulette: nah i think you'd win
Moineau: This couldn't get any worse, could it?
Passe-Partout: Sure it could, just give me a minute.
*Passe-Partout trying to become the new leader of the gang*
Passe-Partout: Just trust me. Have I ever put you in an unsafe or uncomfortable situation?
Ciboulette: All the time.
Passe-Partout: Then you should be used to it by now.
Tarzan: Do you know that we are made out of atoms?
Tarzan: And atoms never touch each other.
Tarzan: So in my defense, officer. I did not touch these cigarettes.
Tit-Noir: Did you buy eggs like I asked?
Moineau: Even better!
Tit-Noir: What did you-
Moineau: *holding up a chicken* Her name is Fluffy.
Ciboulette: I don’t need any more friends. I already have three.
Moineau: Don’t you mean four?
Ciboulette: *looks directly at Passe-Partout*
Ciboulette: No, I’m pretty sure I meant to say three.
*tarzan about to cross the border*
Passe-Partout: You can do it Tarzan!
Passe-Partout: But if you can't, at least your death will be quick, painless, and really cool to watch.
Passe-Partout: Might I make a suggestion you possibly won’t like?
Ciboulette: Do you make any other kind?
Moineau: I'm not that stupid!
Ciboulette: Moineau, you literally ate the wax from a babybel.
Moineau: PASSE-PARTOUT TOLD ME IT WAS EDIBLE!
*after the guy in a raincoat came to their hideout*
Passe-Partout: Hold on, I can explain!
Tarzan: Really? Can you now?
Passe-Partout: I can if you give me a minute to think of a convincing lie.
Moineau: *throwing rocks at the hanger window*
Tit-Noir: You have a phone for a reason!
...
Tit-Noir: Did you just throw your phone at the window?
Tarzan: I'm at a loss for words!
Passe-Partout: Despite being ‘at a loss for words’, Tarzan yelled at me for the next 45 minutes.
*Tarzan still hasn't come back from the US*
Ciboulette: I have a bad feeling about this...
Passe-Partout: What do you mean?
Ciboulette: Don't you ever get that little voice in your head that tells you if you're going to get into trouble?
Passe-Partout: No?
Ciboulette: That actually explains so much.
Johny: If you had to choose between Passe-Partout and all the money I have in my wallet, which would you choose?
Ciboulette: That depends, how much money are we talking about?
Passe-Partout: Ciboulette!
Johny: 63 cents.
Ciboulette: I'll take the money.
Passe-Partout: CIBOULETTE!!!
Ciboulette: François.... if you survive.... please write me a letter....
Tarzan: bruh I can't write lol
Tarzan: ok im going out there specifically to die
Ciboulette: nah i think you'd win
November 17, 2021
the plot could’ve been interesting if the author had put in any effort at all. there was no character development, nothing interesting happened, and frankly, it sucked.
October 21, 2022
No thanks ❌
November 27, 2025
2⭐️ ngl no idea what was happening
what ever I did understand wasnt too bad. I will be translating this and re reading it so I dont fail the next line up of french tests.
what ever I did understand wasnt too bad. I will be translating this and re reading it so I dont fail the next line up of french tests.
May 24, 2023
The Troupe Expression's version was better.
January 23, 2025
i hate french class. Non merci
August 17, 2014
I had to read this for my French Literature class, and found it good. However, I didn't find it great. For some people, I'm sure they'd love to read it, but for me, it just wasn't my piece of cake.
However, I did find the characters of Passe-Partout and Moineau to be memorable, though I didn't particularly care for Ciboulette. The plot was simple, easy to follow.
Overall, I liked it.
However, I did find the characters of Passe-Partout and Moineau to be memorable, though I didn't particularly care for Ciboulette. The plot was simple, easy to follow.
Overall, I liked it.
April 25, 2014
I had to read this for French class in school. The only other play I've read was merchant of Venice, but this is the only French play I've read and as far as French plays goes this one was pretty good.
I read in between of January 2014 and April 2014
I read in between of January 2014 and April 2014
October 13, 2022
Devoir le lire pour la deuxième fois n’a pas changé mon opinion. I hate it.
Edit: Third time is not the charm guys fml pourquoi j’ai pas fait le travail en même temps de le lire il a fallu que je le relise au complet
Edit: Third time is not the charm guys fml pourquoi j’ai pas fait le travail en même temps de le lire il a fallu que je le relise au complet
June 11, 2015
2.5 ou 3.0
Lecture rapide que j'ai aimée, mais qui n'était pas incroyable. Vaut tout de même la peine d'être lu.
Edit: Après bien y avoir pensé, cette pièce est extrêmement clichée...
Lecture rapide que j'ai aimée, mais qui n'était pas incroyable. Vaut tout de même la peine d'être lu.
Edit: Après bien y avoir pensé, cette pièce est extrêmement clichée...
May 14, 2016
I'm not a fan of reading french books but this book was amazing. It was full of suspense and it was truly thrilling to read.
December 3, 2019
Très cliché. Come s’il voulait écrire “The Outsiders” en français, mais il a décidé de forcer une romance là-dedans aussi.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews