Gabrielle Roy

Life & Legacy

Gabrielle Roy (French pronunciation: [ɡabʁijɛl ʁwa]; March 22, 1909 – July 13, 1983) was a Canadian author from St. Boniface, Manitoba. She became one of the major voices in French-language literature in Canada, known for her portrayals of working-class life in Manitoba and Quebec and for her clear, straightforward prose. Her first novel, Bonheur d’occasion (The Tin Flute), brought her national and international recognition, including major literary awards in both Canada and France. She went on to publish fiction, memoir, and children’s literature, and her work remains central to the development of modern Canadian writing in French. She was designated a National Historic Person by the Government of Canada in 2009.