Customer Reviews

Voyages: A Maine Franco-American Reader

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4 star:		(1)
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As someone of Franco heritage, who grew up in Maine, I can assure you that the "grievances" discussed in Voyages are very, very real. The fact that a majority of the country (world) are ignorant of the incredible racism and xenophobia Franco-Americans encountered (and continue to encounter) in this corner of the country is evidence of the necessity an anthology such as this embodies. The previous reviewer clearly doesn't have an issue with Franco-Americans so much as she does with immigrants in general. Also: the previous reviewer didn't bother to note the amazing diversity of writing found in this anthology, from historical essays to creative nonfiction to poetry to artwork and reproductions of material and visual culture artifacts.

As a contributor to this anthology, I am pleased to find that I am in the company of many excellent writers who apply intelligence and sensibility to creating a glimpse into the multiplicity of Franco-American life as in exists in Maine. This is a large anthology and one is sure to find therein both what pleases one and what disturbs.

I have had the experience of reading with other contributors to audiences in various parts of Maine and I have seen how appreciatively people in the audience respond--both Francos and non-Francos.

If you want to have a sense of what it must have been like to grow up French In Maine, this book will provide that--and provide it well.

As a Franco-American, I think it is important for people of all nationalities to read this. This book is a great collection that shows the variances in experiences of moving to a new country. This book is a great template for future books about those who have come to America, and have struggled to find their place within a new society. As someone previously stated, it is not about whining about learning English (although it isn't the easiest language to learn), it's just a book to open the eyes of those who are ignorant to the different cultures within this society, and think that every immigrant should be treated differently. This book carries over to the present, where there are still numerous cultures coming to this country, and fighting against discrimination and hatred and working harder than most of us to provide for their families. To those who couldn't make that distinction from this great read, I am appalled.

The history books alone will tell the INFORMED reader of the challenges the French-heritage group, often seen as a "minority," which in actuality constitutes a majority in some geographical locations, were faced with in their migration to the U.S. The knowledge gap, which this volume fills, about the French-heritage population, that in fact permeates the continent, is an important book that rounds out the untold history, stories, poetry, etc. of the Franco-American, French Canadian people. The stories of the men and women who help build and sustain the communities they immigrated to needs to be told and this book addresses that need. This is a book which can be used in the classroom as well as read in the community for summer pleasure reading! Bon Lecture!Wednesdays Child

I come from a Franco-American family and it is so great to have a book that helps me to get in touch with my family heritage. This is not a book that complains about how they were forced to conform to the english language, it is a book so people can share their stories and experiences with a generation that has lost their Franco-American backgrounds. I found this book to be very interesting and it helped me to learn a lot about my family and the kind of society they lived in. As with any minority group the Franco-Americans struggles with their identity and holding on to their traditions from their homeland. I love this book and would recommend it to anyone who would love to learn more about the Franco-American culture.

I especially enjoyed Christian Potholm's, DeAlva Stanwood Alexander Professor of Government at Bowdoin College, article on Franco-American political behavior and Ross and Judy Paradis' article on the suppression of the French language in Aroostook County.

As a contributor to the anthology I have but glowing remarks to say about a work that incorporates the living experiences of a group of writers who tell us about the way Maine's largest ethnic group reflects the joys and sometimes the hardships of being oneself in a creative way. Diversity is the key here. My contribution of an excerpt from "La Souillonne" reveals the honesty and reality of a former mill-worker who opens up her heart to the reader as to what she experienced and how much she relishes telling her stories in a dialect [here translated] that reveals a glossary of words fast disappearing from everyday life experiences of the Franco-Americans. I am not deploring anything nor am I bitter about being who I am, but I sing the beautiful song of a woman who mirrors the way of life that I grew up with.Voyages: A Maine Franco-American Reader

As a teacher, I find this book an invaluable source of material for high school and college classes on the subjects of history and multi-culturalism. It is also a wonderful book for the general public! A good read from all points-of-view!

Voyage is such a wonderful representation of Franco-phones and Francophiles...it combines stories, history, and a plethora of other materials that help make up the pathwork that is Franco-America and its people. Dr. Rodrigue made sure that a large group of voices were heard in the publishing of this anthology...such an amazing read and a must for anyone interested in learning about the many facets of this culture!