Vive la v?rit?: The Franco-American experience rings true in ‘Papa Martel

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Someone new – a 17-year-old girl, no less – was coming to join the tight-knit Martel family, and the children didn’t know what to make of it.

Therese, who would share her room – and bed – with Sophia, had the most to say.

“I bet she can’t even speak French!”

“I bet,” said Louis, “you can’t even speak Polack.”

“Polish!” corrected Maman quietly.

“I’m French,” said Therese with sudden passion, “and the French language and French culture are the highest in the world!”

“They are very high, indeed,” said Maman, “and you can be proud that you are of French blood, but Sophia can speak French and English and Polish too, but that does not make her better or worse than you, unless …” And Maman raised one index toward her.

“Unless what?” snapped Therese.

“Unless,” continued Maman, “you prove yourself better before God – where it counts – with a little humility!”

“Isn’t it better to be French?” Therese shot out.

I read this passage from Gerard Robichaud’s “Papa Martel” aloud to my husband and his amused response was immediate:

“This book is a true story, right?”

Actually, it’s a novel, I explained, but the compliment had been paid.

Robichaud’s words rang true with someone who has lived in Maine for most of his life and is 100 percent Franco-American.

And it rings true with me.

Though my heritage is mostly English, I have loved the Franco-American family I married into for 34 years and I recognize its spirit, its loyalty and strength in the pages of Robichaud’s book.

Carry the book around with you and someone is sure to notice – and to ask how far you’ve read.

I finished the book last week. It’s a quick read, so there’s still time to find it at a local library or purchase a copy of your own at a local bookstore, as I did.

BANGOR PUBLIC LIBRARY

. “Fathers and Daughters the Franco-American Way,” with author and artist Rhea Cote Robbins, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22.

. “Parlons Francais,” with Gisele Theirault, Bangor High French Department, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23.

. “French Women Don’t Get Fat,” book discussion with Sarah Whitten, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24.

. “Two Churches, One Community,” history of St. Mary’s Church and St. John’s Church with the Rev. Roland Nadeau, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25.

. Discussion of “Papa Martel” with Kathleen Ellis, English professor, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25.

. Interlibrary cribbage tournament, winners of individual tournaments competing in championship match, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31.

OLD TOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

. “Franco-Americans: We Remember,” film and discussion, refreshments and entertainment, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, library Meeting Room.

. Book discussion of “Papa Martel” with French Island’s own Jim Bishop, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, library Meeting Room. Refreshments will be served.

. “In Their Own Words,” hosted by the Old Town Museum, 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, library Meeting Room.