[Gutenberg 23202] • Armand Durand / ou, La promesse accomplie

Armand Durand, first published in 1868, is a novel about French-speaking Quebecois, by an author whose first language was English and who wrote for such English-language publications as The Literary Garland, the Family Herald and The Pilot. It tells the story of two male characters yet it is written by a woman. It described boys' life on a seigneury farm, although its author, born into an Irish family, had spent her own youth in the warehouse district of seaport Montreal; describes college life and professional training- although its mid-century author was of course excluded from such realms and experiences by her sex. Rosanna produced a novel every year or so throughout her marriage, while also producing thirteen babies, (and caring for the eight that survived infancy). Armand Durand has an authentic ring. It is a moving, disturbing, and realistic novel.