About this book
Honoré Beaugrand's La Chasse-galerie brings to life a haunting French-Canadian legend that has captivated readers for over a century. This thrilling fantasy adventure tells the story of desperate voyageurs who strike a dangerous bargain with the Devil himself—trading their souls for the chance to fly a bewitched canoe through the night sky to visit their loved ones.
Set in the remote forests of Quebec, the tale follows a group of woodcutters who must navigate an impossible journey with strict supernatural conditions: they cannot blaspheme, cannot strike church steeples, and must return before dawn. One moment of weakness or carelessness means eternal damnation. Beaugrand masterfully weaves together mythology, folklore, and psychological suspense, creating a narrative that explores themes of temptation, sacrifice, and the price of human desire.
This collection represents the most famous version of a legend that became a cornerstone of Quebec's oral storytelling tradition. Beaugrand's prose captures the isolation and yearning of frontier life while building tension toward a conclusion that lingers long after the final word. Perfect for listeners drawn to dark folklore, supernatural tales, and the rich cultural heritage of North America, La Chasse-galerie remains a timeless exploration of what we'll risk for love and how easily we can lose ourselves to our own ambitions.
