Montreal’s Book Fair Brings Words to Life and Celebrates New Voices
The 48th edition of the Salon du livre de Montréal has officially opened its doors, promising five full days dedicated to the celebration of writing, books, and storytelling. After a tense period marked by a transit strike that threatened to disrupt attendance, organizers are now breathing a sigh of relief. With the Montreal transit services back in operation, visitors are free to explore the fair, which has been meticulously prepared for months, and excitement is palpable among both the team and the public.
This year, the Salon is expected to attract more than 95,000 visitors, surpassing last year’s nearly 92,000 attendees. The fair offers an opportunity to meet established literary figures as well as discover fresh new voices in Quebec literature. Among them, Danièle Belley stands out with her debut novel Dans l’ordre des choses , a thoughtful reflection on suburban life that seeks to challenge common stereotypes. Belley’s work, informed by her own experience growing up in Cap-Rouge and later settling in Chambly, offers readers a delicate balance of humor, introspection, and realism, capturing the quiet struggles and revelations of everyday life.
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Over 2,000 authors, including prominent names like Janette Bertrand, Dany Laferrière, Patrick Senécal, Hélène Dorion, and Naomi Fontaine, will be featured throughout the event. Around 300 activities, ranging from panel discussions to author talks and book signings, have been scheduled to engage attendees of all ages. Special programming has been designed to create intimate and unique experiences: visitors will have the chance to see authors converse directly with central characters from their novels, or witness unscripted tête-à-têtes between literary heavyweights, echoing the natural flow of conversation found in Radio-Canada’s popular show L’autre midi à la table d’à côté .
Accessibility is a major focus this year. For the first time in the fair’s history, entry is free for all children and teens under 18. Adults can also enjoy reduced admission rates during specific hours, and a number of new event formats, such as Dans l’univers familier de… Espace Lis-moi MTL has been curated specifically for young adults and teenagers, emphasizing genres like romance, horror, and science fiction, which are proving increasingly popular among younger readers.
Despite the enthusiasm, the fair arrives amid a challenging period for Quebec’s book market. Sales have been declining, particularly in libraries and schools, due to budget cuts and the rising cost of living. Publishers are hoping the Salon, along with upcoming holiday sales, will help reverse this trend. Karine Vachon, director general of the Association nationale des éditeurs de livres, emphasizes the importance of maintaining young readers’ interest through a steady renewal of books in schools.
Still, optimism prevails. Olivier Gougeon, the Salon’s director general, highlights the vibrancy of Quebec literature and the enduring desire of the public to engage with authors year after year. Amid uncertain times, the Salon du livre de Montréal remains a space where imagination, dialogue, and the transformative power of words are celebrated—a true testament to the enduring enchantment of books.
The fair will continue through Sunday at the Palais des congrès, offering visitors a rich and immersive literary experience, where every page turned and every conversation sparked reinforces the magic of storytelling.
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