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44 pages 1 hour read

Les Belles Soeurs

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1968

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Book Brief

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Michel Tremblay

Les Belles Soeurs

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1968
Book Details
Pages

156

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Setting

Montreal, Quebec • 1960s

Publication Year

1968

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Les Belles-Soeurs by Michel Tremblay is a revolutionary Canadian play set in 1960s Montreal, where working-class housewife Germaine Lauzon invites her sisters, friends, and neighbors to help her paste one million trading stamps she wins. As they perform this mundane task, the women gossip, argue, and grapple with jealousy, revealing the struggles of working-class women in a changing Quebec society.

Gritty

Humorous

Emotional

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Les Belles Soeurs by Michel Tremblay receives praise for its raw portrayal of working-class women in Quebec. Critics commend its authentic dialogue and biting humor but note its heavy use of local dialect might challenge some readers. The play’s ensemble cast and exploration of social issues earn high marks, though some find its bleakness overwhelming.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Les Belles Soeurs?

Readers who appreciate social satire, strong female perspectives, and domestic drama will enjoy Michel Tremblay's Les Belles Soeurs. Similar to those captivated by the wit and familial tension in Alan Ayckbourn's Absurd Person Singular, this audience values a keen exploration of working-class life and interpersonal relationships.

Character List

Germaine Lauzon

A working-class housewife who wins a sweepstakes for a million trading stamps, her interactions with her friends and family drive much of the play's action.

Germaine's 20-year-old daughter who struggles with her mother's controlling nature and grapples with the expectations placed upon her by the older generation.

Germaine's sister, known for her humor and outspoken nature, who navigates her dissatisfaction with life and her marriage.

Another of Germaine's sisters, who balances her role as a confidante with her own grievances about her social status and family life.

A woman who attends Germaine's party, often feeling out of place due to her perceived higher social status and lavish lifestyle.

One of Germaine's neighbors, who envies Germaine's win and views it as a testament to life's unfairness given her own struggles.

A neighbor who enjoys the vicarious thrill of other people's success, particularly when discussing glamorous occasions.

An unmarried woman who longs for companionship, revealing the societal pressures and expectations she faces.

Germaine’s sister-in-law who cares for her elderly mother-in-law and navigates complex family dynamics.

Thérèse’s 93-year-old mother-in-law, characterized by her advanced dementia and dependency on others for care.

A latecomer to Germaine's gathering who wrestles with the expectations of happiness and respectability in her life.

Angéline’s friend known for her pious and strict moral stance, which often leads her to judge others harshly.

Linda and Lise’s friend who reflects some of the conservative values of the preceding generation while dealing with family challenges.

A friend of Linda and Ginette, whose personal challenges and decisions highlight generational tensions and issues of autonomy.

Germaine’s sister who, despite being a source of scandal for her lifestyle, demonstrates loyalty and supportiveness to others.

Book Details
Pages

156

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Setting

Montreal, Quebec • 1960s

Publication Year

1968

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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