Montreal Review of Books, March 2006

Esther: A Jewish Odyssey
By Pierre Lasry
paper 386 pp.
MIDBAR Editions 2-9807385-1-4
fiction

Independent presses: going it alone
Reviewed by Margaret Goldik

Pierre Lasry published the historical novel, Une juive en nouvelle-France, in 2002. It won the J. I. Segal French Literature Award. He has now written an English version. His background is in writing and directing documentaries for the National Film Board, and there is a definite cinematic flavour to this book
.
The historical facts of Esther Brandao's story are taken from the Minute Book of Varin de la Mare, Harbour Police Commissioner in Quebec City in September 1738. Esther, dressed as a boy, dressed as a boy, runs away at 15 from her native city of Bayonne in 1735. Shipwrecked, imprisoned, and peripatetic, Esther is finally forced to become a colonist in New France. On board ships her gender is discovered. Worse, a Star of David, along with a cross, is found around her neck.

Esther was a chocolate maker with a wonderful future ahead of her - if only she not been Jewish. She had been sent as a small child to a convent, where she was "converted" in a mass baptism. Later she came back to live with her fellow New Christians in the Jewish quarter of Bayonne. When she gets to New France she is immediately a problem: non-Catholics were not allowed to settle in the new colony.

Esther's story is one of identity confusion on several levels: she struggles with her religion, her fear of being female, and her fear of love. To Lasry's credit, he differentiates between the social system, which espoused a rather militant Christianity, and human beings, who could be credulous and cruel but also kind. The omniscient narrator has much to say about events in Esther's life from a 21st century perspective, which continually brings the reader flowing through time.

Lasry's language is colourful, even sumptuous. Well-researched historical details flesh out the book without being too distracting. Esther's story is worth a leisurely read, and would make a fascinating movie.


Born in Morocco, author and film-maker, Pierre Lasry arrived in Montreal in January 1957 during the storm of the century. Pierre Lasry's creative thrust can be reduced to a simple verse of the French poet Paul Valéry: If Humanity must survive, it has only one choice, it has to change itself.

In 27 years with the National Film Board of Canada the award winning film maker has dealt with a variety of ecclectic subjects:So-called Miraculous Healings, The Placebo effect, Brainwashing and Hypnosis in religious Sects, Mental Illness, and the Scapegoat function in all societies.

His last feature film, "Shylock" 35mm color, was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Film in 2001. (See reviews in NY TImes, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Miami Herald on April 24th of 2000).

In July 2004, Lasry publishes the fourth edition of his historical Novel: "Une Juive en Nouvelle-France." (Voir La Presse, 24 juin 2001) Winner of the prestigious J.I. Segal PRIX DE LA LITTÉRATURE FRANCAISE (Nov. 2002).

In August 2004, Lasry publishes the English version of his historical novel: Esther, A Jewish Odyssey, (See editorial on page 4. Can.Jewish News, Feb. 20, 2003).

He is now working on a book of collected short stories: "Unfinished Business", a recueil de poèmes en français, and a one-character play, Monsieur le Consul. Lasry's next film will be on Science and Magic.
A complete list of films and International awards won can be accessed on the National Film Board web site www.nfb.ca

To order 'Esther, a Jewish Odyssey,'

or 'Une Juive en Nouvelle-France,' email pierrelasry at hotmail.com