A sparkling, inventive debut novel inspired by Sir John Franklin's grand — but ultimately failed — quest to discover the Northwest Passage and by his extraordinary wife, Lady Jane.

Originally published in Quebec as Du bon usage des etoiles, Dominique Fortier's debut On the Proper Use of Stars is as fresh and imaginative as anything published in recent years. It weaves together the voices of Francis Crozier, Sir John Franklin's second in command, who turns a sceptical eye on the grandiose ambitions and hubris of his leader, and of Lady Jane Franklin and her niece Sophia, both driven to uncommon actions by love and by frustration as months then years pass with no word from the expedition. Fortier skilfully accents the main narratives with overheard conversations and snippets from letters and documents that bring two entirely different worlds — the frozen Arctic and busy Victorian London — alive.

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"With this uncommonly mature debut novel, Dominique Fortier strikes out for the furthest poles: for heroism, love, and plum pudding. Inspired by a story we thought we knew, she creates a unique and brilliant tale that navigates skilfully between dread and dream."
— Nicolas Dickner, author of Nikolski

"Wow! Double wow!" were my first words upon reading On the Proper Use of Stars. And what a great title! Especially when we understand its meaning, or rather when, all of a sudden, between two pages, it takes on its full significance and goes straight to the heart of those who allow themselves to be romantics. And to dream. Of love. Of adventure. A film is coming. Epic and Victorian! But first, to be read for the elegance of the style and the storytelling ability of this young writer, who made me want to sail away and explore . . . two worlds: one of ice, the other of lace; of tea, and salt water."
— Jean Marc-Vallée, director of The Young Victoria

"Enthralling. . . . The story leaves you both entertained and agonizingly aware of the tragedy that awaits."
— Chatelaine

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DOMINIQUE FORTIER was born in 1972. She holds a Ph.D. in literature from McGill University and is a respected editor and literary translator. On the Proper Use of Stars, her debut novel, was first published in Quebec in 2008 as Du bon usage des étoiles and was shortlisted for the French language Governor General’s Award for Fiction, the Prix des libraires du Québec, the Grand Prix littéraire Archambault, and the Prix Senghor. It is being adapted for the screen by Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y., The Young Victoria). Dominique lives in Montreal.

SHEILA FISCHMAN is the award-winning literary translator of well over a hundred works, by such authors as Hubert Aquin, Anne Hébert, Jacques Poulin, and Gaétan Soucy. Sheila is a Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Québec and a Member of the Order of Canada. She lives in Montreal.

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