Canada: Je T'aime/I Love You

Patricia Morley is a professor of English and Canadian Studies at
Concordia University, an associate fellow of the Simone de Beauvoir
Institute, and author of Margaret Laurence: The Long Journey Home.

This unusual book is the fruit of two unique sensibilities that work
well together. Two decades of living in Quebec, a great love for her
adopted country, strong artistic talent, and a cheerful outlook lie
behind the 16 paintings of Canadian cities by Tanobe. Carrier’s
accompanying text in English and French on facing pages, reflects the
tonic notes of joy and thankfulness.

The paintings suggest “the vivacity and cheerfulness of an old Asian
print” (in Carrier’s words) yet also the energy and bounce of a new
country and a population which is young or young at heart. The cities
chosen by Tanobe include major centres such as St. John’s, Halifax,
Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa along with more exotic towns such as
Banff, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse. Tanobe’s vibrant primary colors,
chubby people, and naif style work well with the whimsical, anecdotal
text aimed at readers of all ages.

Carrier’s autobiographical vignettes, like his fictions, are shaped
with humor and “l’amour fou” that he has for the country. Quebec
City was a magical place in his youth, the place from which Santa Claus
spoke: “Without the Quebec City radio I would never have known
anything.” Toronto is the place where he was once a celebrity, thanks
to being mistaken for a hockey player. Fredericton reminds him of his
honeymoon when he was still “almost adolescent” and a helpful priest
had to forgive the couple “for a few inevitable kisses.”

Canada: Je T’aime / I Love You—a book for every library—is a
celebration of a country that, as Tanobe and Carrier remind us all, we
are privileged to share.