La chasse-galerie is a classic Canadian folk tale that follows a group of lumberjacks who make a deal with the devil to fly their canoe through the night sky to visit their loved ones. The story is steeped in Quebecois folklore and explores themes of temptation, loyalty, and the power of friendship.

Beaugrand's writing is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the snow-covered Quebec wilderness and the daring escapades of the lumberjacks. The characters are well-developed and their camaraderie is both heartwarming and compelling.

The pacing of the story is fast-paced and keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The climax is thrilling and suspenseful, with high stakes that keep the tension high until the resolution.

Overall, La chasse-galerie is a captivating read that transports the reader to a magical world of myth and legend. Beaugrand's storytelling is enchanting and his characters are memorable, making this a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Book Description:

La Chasse-galerie (The Hunt of Gallery) also known as “The Bewitched Canoe” is a French Canadian tale of voyageurs who make a deal with the Devil, a variant of the Wild Hunt. In Quebec, the legend of the “chasse-galerie”, or the bewitched canoe, is a favourite. Its most famous version was written by Honoré Beaugrand (1848 – 1906?).

Il s’agit de l’histoire de bûcherons de la Gatineau qui font un pacte avec le diable afin de faire voler un canot pour qu’ils puissent rendre visite à leurs femmes. Il devront cependant éviter de blasphémer durant la traversée, ne point heurter le canot aux clochers d’une église et être de retour avant six heures le lendemain matin. Dans le cas contraire ceux-ci perdraient leurs âmes. La version la plus connue est celle écrite par Honoré Beaugrand.