Writing Acadia

Book excerpt: The phenomenal development of writing and literary creation among the francophone communities of eastern Canada has gone largely unnoticed and unprobed outside the fragmented land of Acadia. Writing Acadia attempts for the first time to observe from a distance the invention of literature in oral Acadia, and to interpret, assess and order the manifold manifestations of the transition from epic story-telling to writing as a means of nation-building. Having begun to write, modern Acadia has truly (re)written herself into existence, an existence now threatened by postmodern unwriting of literature. Destined not only for specialists but also and especially for readers with a general interest in literature, including students of all levels, Writing Acadia presents generous samples of Acadian poetry, drama and prose, with accompanying English translations.