An article by Luke Beirne | CBC (April 11, 2025)
Excerpt: “Maillet was born in Bouctouche in 1929 and died at her home in Montreal on Feb. 17 at the age of 95. She received many literary awards in her career, including the Governor General’s Award for Don l’Orignal, published in 1968, and the Prix Goncourt in 1979 for her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette, the first Canadian writer to receive the prestigious French literary award.”
Read the full article : https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/1.7508155
Antonine Maillet
Antonine Maillet (1929–2025), born in Bouctouche, was one of the foremost figures in Acadian literature. A playwright and novelist, she gave voice to the Acadian people through works such as La Sagouine and Pélagie-la-Charrette, which earned her the Prix Goncourt in 1979 — the first time a Canadian author received the award. Her writing, rich with humor, memory, and the rhythms of popular speech, helped bring Acadian culture to international prominence. A former professor and researcher, Antonine Maillet remains an essential ambassador for Acadie and the French-speaking world.

