"One day, we prepared lunch"
Blaise Durivage, a 42-year-old primary school teacher, is making waves in the literary world with his debut novel, "Pis, un jour, il a fallu faire des lunchs" (And one day, it was necessary to make lunches). This autobiographical work offers a personal exploration of life experiences through a candid and intimate narrative style.
The novel tells a day in the life of a busy family, focusing on the daily life of a homosexual family with adopted children, one of whom is autistic. Durivage, who himself is a father to two boys through the "mixed bank" program of the DPJ, merges reality with fiction, imagining anecdotes, and creating characters based on people he knows.
The narrator, named Blaise, reflects on the change in his life as a dad, from self-centered individuals to devoted caretakers. He candidly discusses the challenges of parenthood, the social pressures, and the prejudices that come with raising a neuroatypical child.
Durivage's novel addresses a multitude of societal issues with both humor and sensitivity. It delves into the complexities of male homosexuality and homoparentality, the labyrinth of mixed-bank adoption, and the challenges faced by neuroatypical children. The novel also touches upon the social pressures of parenthood and the prejudices surrounding what is supposedly masculine and feminine.
Interestingly, the narrator, like the author, has flaws and imperfections. He has silly remarks, thoughts that aren't always noble, and even criticizes himself. This portrayal of a human narrator with defects adds a layer of authenticity to the novel, making it relatable to a wide audience.
Despite being autobiographical, Durivage's second novel, which he is currently working on, is expected to be less so. He is delving into the minds of characters who are not himself, focusing on the world of education.
This heartfelt and thought-provoking novel has been shortlisted for the Prix de la nouvelle Radio-Canada in 2023, indicating its quality and relevance within the Quebecois literary community. As Durivage continues to make strides in the literary world, readers eagerly await his next work.
[1] Source: List of Notable Quebecois Publications to Watch for in August 2025.
- Blaise Durivage's novel, "Pis, un jour, il a fallu faire des lunchs," with its exploration of a French family lifestyle, has drawn attention to various societal issues, including fashion-and-beauty norms, as it delves into male homosexuality and homoparentality.
- The autobiographical work has also made its mark on social media, generating discussions about the challenges faced by families with neuroatypical children, offering a firsthand account of the prejudices that come with raising such children.
- Furthermore, Durivage's novel offers insights into the French entertainment industry, as it candidly discusses the intricacies of the mixed-bank adoption system, providing a unique perspective on the complexities of family dynamics.
