Old Man Savarin, and Other Stories

"Old Man Savarin, and Other Stories" by Edward William Thomson is a compilation of tales set in the 1800s, starting with the story of a dishonest man named Savarin who takes advantage of the local fishermen, especially the Laroque family. Narrated by a youthful voice remembering the past, the story explores the troubles and competitions linked to Savarin, touching on big ideas like selfishness, togetherness, and fairness. The stories are introduced with a striking beginning near the Ottawa River's Rapid Rataplan, where Ma'ame Paradis, an experienced fisherwoman, makes a deal with a narrator for fish. She then shares a story about Savarin's greed and bad behavior toward the fishermen. As she tells about her family's struggles against him, the story becomes a funny but serious look at how Savarin's wrongdoings lead to him getting what he deserves, mixing local stories with sharp comments about society. The way the stories are told is full of local language and details, giving the collection an energetic feel.