Poulin, Jacques. Volkswagen Blues. Québec: Babel/Actes Sud, 1998.
Language: French
Setting: 1990s, from Gaspé (Québec) through the Oregon Trail and into San Francisco
Remarks: For a light novel, Volkswagen Blues raises plenty of themes for consideration. Firstly, la Grande Sauterelle counters most narratives as she is a young, adept mechanic whose curiosity drives the story. Thanks to her questioning, she and Jack traverse Canada and the western United States.
Secondly, the novel self reflects about writing and particularly about the qualities that constitute a famous writer. An author himself, Jack minimizes his talent and compares his (lack of) success to the stardom of others. Throughout his trip, he meets authoresque figures (the Hemmingway hitchhiker) and even the renowned Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Jack’s remarks subtly question the person who controls the narrative, and this question intertwines with la Grande Sauterelle’s insistence on bringing Native American history to light.
Lastly, the lack of resolution between Théo and Jack places an emphasis on amical ties rather than familial ones. In the sample of Québécois literature that I have read (30 Arpents, Une Saison dans la vie d’Emmanuelle, Bonheur d’occasion, La guerre, yes sir!), the family takes precedent over friendships. By the end of the 20th century, I suppose, enhanced mobility necessitates new relationships.
Keywords: roadtrip, Indiens, frères, amitié, écriture