The Making of Nicolas Montour
Description
eo-Paul Desrosiers is the uncontested master of the historical novel; in this book the full maturity of his talents is revealed. A profound knowledge of history and tradition gives authenticity to his picture of the harsh life of voyageurs and traders in the north country at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and to the pitiless rivalry between the great fur-trading companies which he portrays.
Desrosiers embodies the spirit of an age; everything is made vital through the characters he creates, above all through one man, a true soldier of fortune, Nicolas Montour. As Montour fights his way up in the North West Company, all means are considered fair as long as they serve his ends. Men are tricked into virtual slavery to the Company by their passions and their needs; women are used as hostages and chattels to the same end.
By telling the story in the present tense, Desrosiers gives it emphasis and movement, heightening the rough simplicity of emotions and setting. Throughout, there is an unobtrusive poetry and a strong feeling for the nature of the land. The original French edition, under the title of Les Engagés du Grand Portage, was awarded the Prix David in 1935. This book is probably the best introduction to the whole northern myth.