Mon pays à feu et à sang: Genevieve Aubuchon, au temps de la bataille des plaines d'Abraham

Dear Canada

by Maxine Trottier

Après que son village a été anéanti par une tribou ennemie, Geneviève Aubuchon, une orpheline abenakise, est adoptée par une famille québécoise. Elle s'inquiète beaucoup au sujet de son frère aîné, qui s'est joint à une autre tribu abénakise afin d'aider les Français à defendre la colonie contre les Anglais. Le pire est à venir puisque la bataille des plaines d'Abraham semble imminente.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Canada, Middle Grade, Historical, Young Adult, Childrens

216 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Maxine Trottier is the award-winning writer of numerous books for young people, including Claire's Gift (winner of the Mr. Christie's Book Award), Laura: A Childhood Tale of Laura Secord, the Circle of Silver Chronicles, and The Tiny Kite of Eddy Wing (winner of the CLA Book of the Year Award).

A former teacher and an avid sailor, Maxine has long been fascinated by history. She is now an associate member of La Société des Filles du roi et soldats du Carignan, whose purpose is "to honour the memory of these courageous people." While researching Alone in an Untamed Land, Maxine discovered that she herself is directly descended from a fille du roi.

Maxine lives in the small outport of Newman's Cove in Newfoundland, with her husband William and their Yorkie Moon.

Reviews

[Manybooks]

The 1759 Siege of Québec City is a pretty popular topic for writers of historical fiction, although depending on from whose perspective the story in question is being told, the villains and the heroes will naturally tend to alternate (so that Siege of Québec City accounts written from the perspective of the French and in particular of the inhabitants, of the civilian population of Québec City will of course and naturally so see the British as the enemy, as often even majorly villainous and that texts featuring the British point of view will bien sûr consider the French as the negatives, as the enemy). And in Maxine Trottier's 2005 The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon (an instalment in the Dear Canada series of fictional diaries), the Siege of Québec City is depicted, recounted and analysed through the fictional diary entries (and in the narrative voice of) of young Geneviève Aubuchon (or Miguen as she was named by her Abenaki mother), and that for her, that according to Geneviève, her journal (and indeed throughout much of The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon) the British are definitely the "bad guys" and quite often even the only ones (and that while said one-sided and definitely somewhat blinkered attitude finally does begin to change and become considerably more balanced in The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon, this only and indeed happens very slowly, painfully and traumatically).

The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon has Trottier showing with Geneviève Aubuchon's fictional journal how after being orphaned at an early age as a result of a raid on their Abenaki village by an opposing tribe (never mentioned which tribe), Miguen and her older brother Chegual are adopted by a well-to-do French Canadian apothecary and his wife. But while The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon has Maxine Trottier telling (through those fictional diary entries) how Miguen has adapted seamlessly and pretty easily to her new life in Québec City (although she considers herself to be both Abenaki and French Canadian and also remembers as well as still misses especially her deceased mother), has not really minded her name now being Geneviève and thus equally has no desire to leave Québec City, French Canadian culture, Catholicism etc., being considerably older than his sister, Chegual feels only Abenaki and not French Canadian, refuses to change his name and as soon as he is old enough runs away to rejoin the Abenaki. And yes, and just to point out that while I do think Trottier has depicted Geneviève/Miguen, Chegual and indeed ALL First Nations characters respectfully, compassionately and warmly, The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon is also and definitely not OwnVoices and that some readers might perhaps find the entire adoption of Miguen and then basically transforming her into a typical French Canadian girl scenario somewhat problematic (something that my inner child does not at all mind regarding The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon, but something which does make more critical adult me more than a trifle uncomfortable at times, and yes, albeit adult I has also truly and even majorly enjoyed reading The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon).

So with Geneviève Aubuchon's diary for The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon presenting her as being staunchly pro French Canada and pro French Canadian life, culture etc., when the war with the British invades Québec City, Geneviève is of course not only (though her journal) depicted as being totally horrified at the prospect of losing everything, she also experiences, she sees and feels British cannons bombing, destroying buildings, injuring (and sometimes even killing) friends and neighbours, she hears about and encounters soldiers being gravely wounded and falling in battle (including her close personal friend Étienne and that her brother Chegual equally almost succumbs to injuries suffered while battling the British and futilely trying to defend Québec City with the Abenaki), it to me certainly is totally logical and even kind of natural that as a result of all of this experienced trauma (and even if this is one-sided), Geneviève's journal for The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon is once the cannons starts falling so to speak depressively morose, is filled with very much pain, with vitriol and even abject hatred for the English and also for the Scottish soldiers who have taken over Quebec City. And in fact, if in The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon Maxine Trottier's text (Geneviève' Aubuchon's journal) were not so one-sided at first (regarding Geneviève's all encompassing pain and her total animosity towards British and Scottish soldiers), I would probably consider this all rather fantastical and ridiculously unbelievable, although to be honest, I also do appreciate that the diary entries in The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon slowly become more and more balanced, less one-sidedly us versus them, as Geneviève Aubuchon while helping with the rehabilitation of a seriously wounded Scottish solider slowly realises they are in many ways kindred spirits and that basically no-one is usually totally a villain and to be hated just because of their background, their ethnicity etc. (and indeed, at end of The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon, Andrew Doig and our diarist become more than simply close friends).

Now some more critical reviews claim that The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon pays too little attention to politics and the like, but well, considering Geneviève Aubuchon's young age, I for one would be finding this too mature, to adult-like and that The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon would not feel all that realistic if Trottier would have Geneviève musing in her diary about politics and the like (and indeed, the non fiction historical information on the Siege of Québec City at the back of The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon is superb and fits much better there than in the diary proper). Four starts from me for The Death of My Country: The Plains of Abraham Diary of Geneviève Aubuchon, highly recommended and while not my favourite Dear Canada book, definitely a really nice and enlightening reading joy!

[Bibliovoracious]

This one really captures what a devastating defeat the battle of the Plains of Abraham was; the irreparable injury to the spirit of being conquered.

[Rebecca]

When Genevieve was about five years old, she and her older brother, Chegual, were the sole survivors of a raid on their Abenaki village. They were rescued and brought to Quebec, where they were taken in by a childless couple, the apothecary and his wife. Not long after, the apothecary died, but his wife, Madame Claire, continued to raise the children. Genevieve eventually became more French than Abenaki following her education by the nuns, but her brother never adjusted and eventually left.

Now, Genevieve is twelve and the year is 1759. She continues to live in Quebec with her adoptive mother, Madame Claire. A war rages between France and England over control of some of the North American colonies, and Genevieve finds her peaceful life changing in many ways when the city of Quebec is put under siege by the British. Her brother returns to the city with his best friend, only for them to go off to battle to defend Quebec with other Indian allies.

This was one of the best books in the Dear Canada series. I loved the characters as well as the historical setting. Although it was very sad at times, it was also hopeful. Genevieve was an interesting character - part French, part Abenaki, but fully neither. She was able to give a unique view of the French and Indian War. I'd definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoyed other Dear Canada books.

[kit]

buckle up because I'm going to read every single one of these suckers

[Georgia]

This journal centers around likeable and unexpected hero, Genevieve. When she was only five years old, she and her older brother Cheguel were orphaned when the Abenaki village was destroyed in a fire. Now about twelve or thirteen years old, she now lives with loving foster mother, Madame Claire Aubuchon. For the first few months of writing in her diary, Genevieve spends her days happily with her "family", Cheguel, his friend Eteinne, and at the local convent. But with the ongoing war with the English over who owns Canada, Genevieve is fearful for her brother. Finally, when the English do attack at the Plains of Abraham, she must stay hopeful in the months afterword. It becomes more of a challenge when a wounded Scottish soldier is stationed in their home. Finally, Genevieve comes to the conclusion that she must put the past behind her and enjoy her new life.

I especially enjoyed this book because of the character and because it went into detail about the battle both in the journal and the historical note. What the author could have improved was to make the story more exciting at the beginning to draw the reader in (I found it a little slow-going in the first twenty pages). All in all, it is a great story and I definitely recommend it!

[Holly L'Heureux]

This book was so interesting. The main character is a Native American living with a French woman who adopted her. The relationship between the main character and her adoptive mother is something that is not seen very often in the world, especially in the 1700's. The plight of the French Canadian people throughout this novel and the battles of the French and Indian War is something that is eye opening to read. The characters in this book lost their homes, lost their lives, and had to surrender to a government they did not want to be a part of. I also enjoyed how even though the Scottish people fought for the British military that they still did not feel right about it and were forced to do to the Canadian people what the British did to their people not long ago. This is something not many people actually know when learning about the French and Indian War. I think this novel was really well written and was extremely historically accurate. The author herself does reenactments from this time in history which obviously helped in the writing of this novel. Cannot wait to start the next book!

[Liz]

Bland... I didn't really find it that great...

[Bev Walkling]

This is a book in the Dear Canada series and I have enjoyed all of the books that I've read in the series thus far including this one. I was born and spent all of my youth in the province of Quebec and have visited Quebec City numerous times so this book told from the perspective of a young Abenaki girl raised by the French gave me a very interesting look at the civilian life in the lead up to the battle on the Plains of Abraham. This was a pivotal point in our history and I felt the author did an excellent job in telling the story through diary entries. I particularly appreciated that it was told from the perspective of a First Nations girl even though she was quite well assimilated into the French culture. Coming from Quebec I had no issues with the French interspersed throughout the story. There was an index at the back which might be more useful at the front for some readers. Books like this really help to make history come alive.

[Susan B]

3.5 stars. A solid addition to the Dear Canada series. While some are repulsed by the idea that Genevieve grew up to marry Andrew Doig after they formed a friendship when she was 12 and he 19, we must remember that Andrew and Genevieve are fictional characters and the 1700s were very different times from ours. In England, the legal age for marriage was 12 for girls and 14 for boys, and the average lifespan was only 35 to 40 years.

[chebet]

the way i used to eat this books up has to be studied

[Sarah]

I have read this one before so it was a quick read because I mostly skimmed through.

This the diary of Genevieve Aubuchon, or Miguen (feather), her given name by her mother. Genevieve is an orphan adopted by Madame Claire, who has the money to shower her with fine gifts. She is still in contact with her older brother Chegual, who ran off to be with the Abenaki people, along with his friend Etienne, who Gene (I'm shorting it) has a bit of a crush on.

Gene is pretty well educated for the time, which is surprising. All in all I think it's kind of an idealized story about an orphaned girl. After she completes 'normal' school her adoptive mother continues to teach her. Their house has a freaking library in it! It's New France in 1759 for goodness sake! Her brother gives her a rabbit, which she is allowed to keep...her brother and his friend are hired on by her adoptive mother until they are 'needed'. If that's not upper class in early times in Canda, I don't know what is.

Random french words are dropped in this book. But they are easy and there's a glossary in the back if you need it.

Things are pretty boring at first but pick up a little bit when the British ships are finally spotting on the river. But even then I wouldn't call it a 'fascinating' read due to its slow start. I don't think this book ever hits a sufficiently fast stride for my likings, though I will admit I did enjoy the parts where the city was being hit. But obviously those weren't often and Gene, as the adopted daughter of an upper class Quebec madam was nowhere near the majority of the fighting.

After the battle on the plains of Abraham Gene is left to pick up the pieces. Things get harder when an injured soldier is placed in her household. She even reads part of his journal, and this is where the title of this book is dropped in.

Conclusion

I don't know. I didn't love this book as much as I loved Winter of Peril. I think it's probably because I have trouble thinking Genevieve could be so lucky and, mostly, easily accepted as she is in the book. I also think the the pacing off this book is a little off for my own personal likings. It is an interesting time in history though.

[Read Stories]

read the first 10-15% of the book on November 15 or 16 or 17. Rest was read on Nov. 23.

3.9 stars (7.8/10)
I've read a lot of Canadian historical fiction already, but I learned something new from this book. The history of Quebec isn't discussed in-depth outside the province and I learned about the Abenaki (Alnanbal) people for the first time so this book was interesting.
I might buy a personal copy. The main girl character was more likeable than the one about polio.

Good read. Had nice messages like loving your enemy and seeing them as people too.

Critique: has too many French words that can be commonly replaced with English (eg: scarf, pig, etc.) that weren't special enough to really see why they should be in French instead of English. I'd get it if it was a name or term specific to the culture, but otherwise it becomes too much.
The cramming of historical figures and details in French didn't help either. While I did get to review my French, too much French breaks the flow of the story. It also makes it less of a story about the main character at times and more of a history lesson in French, which makes it harder to connect to her on a deeper level.

[Jennifer Rayment]

Well researched , well written, and most importantly will suck children in to a story they can become engrossed in and never know they are actually learning history. I was surprised on how much I learned and also came to understand the French heritage of Quebec. Ashamed I am of my lack of empathy for the plight of the French (in my defence I was raised in Ontario and of Britain decent ) we were taught mostly I sympathy towards the English. I truly appreciate hearing these stories and understanding and more importantly facing my own predjudice- owning that and becoming better for it. ok there was also a character who was a Scot with a background of Culloden who becomes a publisher - lol remind you of someone

[Hannah]

I read this in three days, and you'd think that would mean it was interesting. Sadly, it's really not. It's easy to read, and I thought overall it was an okay book, but nothing stands out too much about it. Wigwedi the revenge-peeing rabbit was the only thing that I thought was unique and original (and funny). I guess I can say I learned basic facts about the French and Indian War from a Canadian's perspective; I find it fascinating to see how Canada's history lines up with what was happening at the same time in America.

[Jenna Leigh]

I believe I enjoyed this one. I liked that it was coming from a First Nations narrator, which was different than other books in the series. My only problems are that some of the Dear Canada books had French words and phrases in them, and while they were sometimes translated, other times all they gave you was an index in the back of the book that you had to flip to, so it ruined the flow of your reading. All the Dear Canada books are worth reading, though!

[Shanelle]

The Death of My Country is another book from the Dear Canada series, following the story of Genevieve Aubuchon, an Abanaki who was adopted by a french woman, Madame Claire. The story takes place in Quebec, New France and includes the battle at the Plains of Abraham and focuses on Genevieve and how she deals with the war.

[Meghan]

The ending was a bit abrupt, but overall the story flowed well. There were some French words that I felt like were unnecessarily put in italics and added to the glossary, as they were ones that are used in English. The historical note states that the Abenaki are not recognized as a tribe in the United States and while that is largely the case, they have made progress in Vermont.

[Shanelle]

A favourite of mine, The Death of My Country is a book that doesn't lag and the author has written the story in a way that flows and leaves the reader wanting more. I'd definitely recommend this book to someone interested in learning about Canada's history, but who doesn't want to read straight facts.

[Meaghan Steeves]

*4.5* This was great, it took me a little bit to get into it but once I did I was fascinated. I really enjoyed Genevieve as a character.

[Amanda H.]

great story bout what the natives faced when the french came to quebec

[Twyla]

My favorite part was when Genevieve's brother Chegual got better from his injury and didn't die like evryone thought he would. My least favorite part was when Genevieve's friend Etienne died.

[Shannon]

A easy read. Peaked my interest in what happened at the Plains of Abraham. The author did a good job of writing as a young girl would, which I enjoyed.

[August]

Maxine Trottier is quickly becoming one of my favorite Dear Canada authors. Knowing very little about Canadian history, I'm really enjoying getting to learn a little through these books.

[lu]

the second book in the dear canada series i've read by trottier, and this one may be my favourite in the series. i just find trottier's protagonists to be extremely likeable -- independent and full of personality, yet also young and with much to learn while remaining good at heart. in both novels i've read by trottier now i've really liked the focus on lesser represented minority groups in canada, with geneviève being both indigenous canadian and quebecois french. it makes for a very unique perspective that the story is told from, adding to the dualitistic nature of canadian identity and the often conflicting yet harmonising traits that can be found throughout this country.

this one is ripe with themes of found family, love and care, and the horrors of war and colonialism. madame claire has so much goodness in her heart for what she's done for geneviève and chegual, as well as for the many lessons that are scattered throughout the book on war and oppression. the characters are not mouthpieces for an overall message of peace, yet that message is made abundantly clear to a young audience by not glorifying the impact war can have on people living normal, happy lives. at the same time, the book is so full of life and happiness in describing geneviève's everyday life and community, and personallly explorative through her abenaki heritage and quebecois foster family.

finally, it was very interesting to read about the plight of scottish soldiers in the seven years' war, even as they fought for the british side. again, it just really drives home the idea that there are no winners in war, that oppression is injustice regardless of the circumstances or people who suffer under it. even then, the romantic sideplot was so sweet to read and follow along with, and adds to how i can't sing this book's praises enough. the epilogue was absolutely touching, and geneviève stays with you long after you finish the book.

(also i swear her brother and étienne are gay)

[Julia]

Recently visited Quebec City and wanted to read this book again. It's so interesting reading it through the eyes of someone who was "there", after having been there and having it all fresh in my mind.

The story is very good. I think Maxine Trottier does an excellent job of portraying what went on during the siege, and the feelings of the people who experienced it.

[Meagan]

I knew virtually nothing about the war Britain and France fought for control of New France. I did learn a great deal while reading this novel, and stopped several times to do some additional research. While well-written, I did not find this story as compelling as others in the series, which saddened me, as it was my first Dear Canada novel featuring a First Nations diarist.

[Miriel68]

I read quite a few entries of the "my dear..." series, and I really enjoyed this one, even if I am not its target reader. It was well-researched and had a good narrative arch which should keep the young reader interested.

[DaniPhantom]

I didn’t too know too much about the Plajns of Abraham, so this was a perfect introduction to the topic with a unique POV of Geneviève being a Indigenous Abenaki.

[maven calore’s venice b!tch]

this changed me fr

[Kaitlin]

C'est un livre très intéressant ! J'ai appris plus de l'histoire du Canada. Il y avait quelques mots que je n'ai pas su, mais c'était encore bon.