Reading “The History of Emily Montague”

Frances Brooke’s The History of Emily Montague (1769) has been described as “the first Canadian novel.” Written in epistolary form, the fascinating story depicts life in eighteenth-century Quebec City from the perspectives of British heroine Emily Montague and her friends. The novel sheds light on the relationship between French, English, and Indigenous cultures, changing gender roles, and the differences between North America and England. “Any way you read it…the novel is still able to instruct and delight.” (Borealis Press).

The novel will be read and discussed in parts over three sessions:

This activity is in partnership with the English literature program in the Département de littérature, théâtre et cinéma at Université Laval. Copies of The History of Emily Montague can be purchased through the bookstore La Maison Anglaise. An e-book version is also available for Morrin Centre members through OverDrive HERE.

To register for the event, please write to library@morrin.org. *NOTE: If you can’t make a session, that is fine! You’re still welcome to attend the other sessions.

Stay tuned for a special event on The History of Emily Montague on May 11, 2024!