JEAN LEMIEUX

Place of birth: Iberville, Quebec
Place of residence: Quebec, Quebec

When Jean Lemieux finished his first novel, a chance encounter at a Salon du livre led to the publication of another -- this time, a book for young adults. He met an editor with Québec/Amérique Jeunesse who persuaded him to write a short story for a young adult anthology she was preparing. Instead of the one story required, he submitted three. The first story, "Retour à Saint-Malo" was included in the anthology, Ici. The second story was destined to become Lemieux's successful young adult novel, La Cousine des États. The third is to be expanded into a book for adults. Whether writing for adolescents or adults, Lemieux demonstrates an abiding interest in human relationships. He is fascinated by the energy and enthusiasm of youth and is intrigued by the similarities he sees between an adolescent's search for self-awareness and the broader, historical issues implicit when tracing a family's roots or searching for cultural identity. Jean Lemieux is not only an author but also a doctor. Although he and his family live in Quebec City, they still have a strong attachment to the Iles-de-la-Madeleine where they lived for many years.

Awards

• 1995 Prix 12/17 (Brive/Montréal) for Le Trésor de Brion.
  
• 1995 Prix du livre M. Christie (for the best French book age 12 and over) for Le Trésor de Brion.

Selected Bibliography

Books for Young People

La Cousine des États. Boucherville, Québec: Québec/Amérique jeunesse, c1993.
206 p.: 18 cm. (Titan jeunesse 20)
ISBN 2890376656

Le Trésor de Brion. Illustrated by Anie Massey. Boucherville, Québec: Québec/Amérique jeunesse, c1995.
387 p.: cartes; 18 cm. (Titan jeunesse 26)
ISBN 2890376869

Books for Adults

La Lune rouge. Montréal: Québec/Amérique, c1991.
319 p.; 21 cm. (Collection Littérature d'Amérique)
ISBN 2890375331