- Agaguk
"Agaguk" is the sixth novel written by
Quebec authorYves Thériault . First published in 1958, it sold 300000 copies and was translated into seven languages.Plot summary
This novel is a story of cultural conflict between the Inuit of Northern
Quebec and white men, set in the 1940s. It is told from the perspective of the main character Agaguk, anInuit man. Agaguk diverges from his tribe with a woman named Iriook. Through their journeys, Yves Thériault explores Agaguk’s mastery of nature as well as the general relationship between the Inuit and thetundra . Furthermore, by describing the conflicts with the white men, the themes of alcoholism, assimilation as well as economic and judicial injustice are thoroughly explored. The personal aspect of the novel also allows for an intriguing analysis of Agaguk and his behaviour towards his wife in particular.Awards and nominations
Grand Prix de la Province de Québec.
Film adaptation
This novel was made into a movie with the title "Shadow of the Wolf" by Jacques Dorfmann in 1992, with
Lou Diamond Phillips ,Toshirô Mifune ,Jennifer Tilly , Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, andDonald Sutherland .
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