On the Proper Use of Stars

Praise

“Captivating. . . . Fortier’s clever, confident prose and Fischman’s flawless translation [shift] effortlessly between the comedy of manners of London society and the Gothic romance of the Artic wilderness. . . . The novel pulses with adventure and originality, and brims with promise for this gifted new voice in fiction.” 
 — National Post

“Immensely entertaining and well-researched. . . . Fortier injects warm human blood, romance and beauty into the frigid, stark and heartbreaking old story we all thought we knew.” 
 — Gazette (Montreal)

“Debut novelist Dominique Fortier – beautifully translated by Sheila Fischman – takes a new approach [to the Franklin story]: She chooses elegance . . .” 
 — Toronto Star

“Rich [and] clever. . . . [The novel] is poetic and elegiac about the lost and those left behind.” 
 — Winnipeg Free Press

“Told in utterly original fashion, a historical novel with wit and fascination. Fans of Arctic literature will not want to pass on this one.” 
 — SunTimes (Owen Sound)

“[Fortier’s] first novel is a shimmering hall of mirrors in which the Northwest passage relects dreams of glory that will be fatally shattered.” 
 — L’actualité

“With this uncommonly mature debut novel, Dominique Fortier strikes out for the furthest poles: for heroism, love, and plum pudding. Inspired by a story we thought we knew, she creates a unique and brilliant tale that navigates skilfully between dread and dream.”
— Nicolas Dickner, author of Nikolski

“Wow! Double wow!” were my first words upon reading On the Proper Use of Stars. And what a great title! Especially when we understand its meaning, or rather when, all of a sudden, between two pages, it takes on its full significance and goes straight to the heart of those who allow themselves to be romantics. And to dream. Of love. Of adventure. A film is coming. Epic and Victorian! But first, to be read for the elegance of the style and the storytelling ability of this young writer, who made me want to sail away and explore . . . two worlds: one of ice, the other of lace; of tea, and salt water.”
— Jean Marc-Vallée, director of The Young Victoria

“Enthralling. . . . The story leaves you both entertained and agonizingly aware of the tragedy that awaits.”
— Chatelaine