Thélyson Orélien's Debut Novel 'C'était ça ou mourir' Becomes Global Publishing Phenomenon
Thélyson Orélien, a writer from Quebec with Haitian roots, found acclaim with his first novel, 'C'était ça ou mourir,' which was published by Grasset in France. After its March release in Quebec, it quickly became the top-selling French-language book in Canada. A remarkable achievement for Boréal, 21 publishers acquired its international rights. The story centers on Jonas Dorléon, a Haitian educator escaping gang violence in Port-au-Prince, who journeys through the Dominican Republic, Panama, Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S. to reach Quebec via Roxham Road. Orélien, who moved to Canada following the 2010 earthquake, dedicated four years to writing the book, which faced delays due to COVID-19. It is set to launch in France in August 2026 for €21.50.
Key facts
- Thélyson Orélien's debut novel 'C'était ça ou mourir' published by Grasset in France.
- Book was number one bestseller among French-language books in Quebec after March release.
- Rights sold to 21 publishers worldwide, a record for Boréal.
- Novel tells story of Jonas Dorléon, a Haitian teacher fleeing gang violence.
- Route includes Dominican Republic, Panama, Brazil, Mexico, US, and Quebec via Roxham Road.
- Orélien immigrated to Canada after 2010 earthquake destroyed Canadian consulate in Port-au-Prince.
- Author spent four years writing the novel, delayed by COVID-19.
- First-person narration chosen to immerse readers in migrant experience.
- Book is 271 pages, priced at €21.50.
- Orélien's first book was a poetry collection published in 2006.
Entities
Artists
- Thélyson Orélien
- Jonas Dorléon
- René Depestre
Institutions
- Grasset
- Boréal
- RFI
Locations
- Quebec
- Canada
- Haiti
- Port-au-Prince
- Dominican Republic
- Panama
- Brazil
- Mexico
- United States
- Roxham Road
- Darien