Prayers of a Very Wise Child

by Roch Carrier

In a career spanning more than four decades, Roch Carrier has never failed to make his readers laugh. Prayers of a Very Wise Child , like so much of Carrier's fiction, has a wonderfully subtle and whimsical sense of humour that allows him to explore the depth of the human heart and to share with readers his enjoyment of that journey. Set in the rural Quebec of Carrier's childhood, it traces a young man's relationship with God through his prayers, from the tender age of seven until the unnamed narrator is just about to turn 20. We eavesdrop on his innocent questioning of a God who takes the lives of other children, allows wars, and doesn't put a stop to evil. We find prayers for making snow fall on an outdoor ice rink, prayers for becoming good at something, and prayers to help curb the narrator's occasional use of swear words. As he reaches puberty, we find him obsessing about the uncontrollable urges that fire his his "Prayer of the Little Soldier Who Stands at Attention" is certainly hilarious, but Carrier is careful not to mock the seriousness of this very real dilemma in this young man's life. There's even a healthy dose of questioning of religious authority in the "Prayer of Someone Who Would Like to Know Where He Comes From," and this prayer foreshadows the young man's decision to leave his religious upbringing behind in the book's final chapter. Carrier's humour is never exercised at the expense of his character, and it is this respect that ultimately most stirs the reader. --Jeffrey Canton

Genres: Canada

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Roch Carrier, OC is a Canadian novelist, playwright and author of "contes" (a very brief form of the short story). He is among the best known Quebec writers in English Canada.

From 1994 to 1997, he served as head of the Canada Council. In 1998, he ran as an electoral candidate for the Quebec Liberal Party under Jean Charest, in the riding of Crémazie. He was defeated by 309 votes.

In 1991, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. From 1999 to 2004, Carrier was National Librarian of Canada.

A quote from "Le chandail de hockey" ("The Hockey Sweater"), one of Carrier's contes, is reprinted on the back of the Canadian five-dollar bill.

Reviews

[Ollie Ander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this withing years of my review, please keep this in mind. But what I remember was brilliant.

Am I biased to stories written in child perspective than completely satirize adult society? Yes. But because it's amazing. And this collection of prayers is perfect in its use of the device. If you're Canadian, you'll probably feel this in your soul.

[Benjamin Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this awhile ago so I don't remember it that well, but I remember enjoying it.

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prayers of a Very Wise Child by Roch Carrier. This English translation retains the French Quebecois flavor so necessary to the depiction of rural Quebec through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy. The method of showing his thoughts--through various titled prayers to God--works smoothly and naturally. Carrier avoids the tedium often found in letter-type novels. I enjoyed this very much.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roch Carrier is what might be called a National Treasure...if only Quebecois might agree...and if the term wasn't overused. This story, a coming of age account of a young man in Quebec as seen through his spiritual development is charming, filled with wisdom and a fair amount of mischief making.

[Jane Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most wonderfully composed, and translated books about growing up in small town Quebec. The writing was superb! And hilarious.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So clever, funny, and well written. I love that little boy for asking all the questions I had.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Roch Carrier book!