Nathalie: An Acadian’s Tale of Tragedy and Triumph

by Debra Camelin

Selected by CBC as a young adult novel to read in spring 2023. A coming- of-age story filled with heroism and heartbreak for 13-year-old Acadian Nathalie Belliveau. Separated from her family during the brutal 1755 expulsion of Acadians from Grand-Preé, Nova Scotia, Nathalie escapes and travels more than 150 kilometres on foot to Cap-Sable. When the compassionate Amirault family takes her in, she falls for their shy son Ange. But her happiness is shattered by another wave of deportations by the British that keep the young lovers apart. Based on the real lives of two Acadian families the novel is grounded in the historic facts of the Acadian expulsion. "Blends historical characters and facts with well-researched and imaginative fiction to give her young adult readers lots of Canadian history as well as adventure and romance. Recommended."-- Canadian Review of Materials With lyrical and masterful storytelling Amirault Camelin seamlessly weaves fact and fiction drawing us deep into the lives, losses, and longings of her vivid characters. We are caught up in this sweeping tale, rooting for Nathalie Belliveau, a resilient and fascinating Canadian heroine.--Caroline Pignat, Governor General's Award Winner (2009 and 2015) Overflowing with tragedy and romance, Camelin's stories-within-story expertly layer solid research into a compelling narrative.--Gabriele Goldstone, author of Crow Stone Fiction. Young Adult.

364 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2023

Reviews

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is really something special.

It was billed as YA, but in my opinion, it is an incredibly well-thought-out historical fiction. Having the opportunity to read a book that is part of the author’s own genealogical history is so unique and that personal connection to the characters and the story came through in the writing.

Perhaps this is due to Debra being a poet, but the character and world building in this book is second to none. Without realizing it, I found myself being able to clearly picture what was taking place. I was unable to put this book down as I needed to know what happened next.

Highly recommended.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely doesn't fit anything else I normally read, but it was genuinely interesting. It's a saga, and something I only knew about on a surface level, that Amerault Camelin does a fantastic job at both crafting a story around and educating with. Writing something so personal must have been difficult, but I can tell that her writing style is strong, and there wasn't a moment where the descriptions (though thorough) felt like they overtook the emotion of the book. This is a great look at history, and one I would recommend to those interested in the topic.

[Becky Rhyno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book - I’ve always been intrigued by the Acadian Expulsion and reading stories about it . This book puts the reader in the midst of the characters and the tragedy they experienced; it is also a testament to the strength and survival of the Acadian spirit!

[Heidi Greco · Rating 3 out of 5]

History comes to life through characters who make us care.

[Gracie Amirault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written.