Article

Louise Maheux-Forcier

Published Online April 9, 2008

Last Edited December 15, 2013

Louise Maheux-Forcier, writer (b at Montréal 9 June 1929). After extensive musical studies, she decided to devote herself exclusively to writing. Her first novel, Amadou (Prix du Cercle du livre de France, 1963), one of Québec's first poetic novels, developed the then taboo theme of lesbianism.

Maheux-Forcier, Louise

Louise Maheux-Forcier, writer (b at Montréal 9 June 1929). After extensive musical studies, she decided to devote herself exclusively to writing. Her first novel, Amadou (Prix du Cercle du livre de France, 1963), one of Québec's first poetic novels, developed the then taboo theme of lesbianism. While revealing her as a subtle, lucid and courageous writer, the novel aroused passionate controversy among critics. The author pursued her quest for primal beauty in her other novels (L'Île joyeuse, 1965, trans as Isle of Joy, 1987; Une Forêt pour Zoé, 1969, Governor General's Award; Paroles et musique, 1973; Appassionata, 1978), as well as in her short stories (En toutes lettres, 1980) and films for television. The ever-present androgynous character exerts a strong attraction on the living sources of this dream world, finding expression in a visual and rhythmical perfection of writing.