Marion: The Story of an Artist's Model

** "Marion: The Story of an Artist's Model" by Onoto Watanna is a tale set in early 1900s Montreal that follows Marion, a young girl from a large family in the Hochelaga neighborhood, as she begins to shape her identity and chase after her dreams. The novel explores ideas about beauty, ambition, and family relationships. After a grocer's remarks leave her feeling ashamed and a stranger praises her looks, Marion becomes determined to be beautiful and sets her sights on becoming an actress. This ambition steers her away from her responsibilities at home. Her father is a struggling artist, and her family deals with the difficulties of poverty. Marion's rich imagination and dreams of stardom stand in stark contrast to her everyday life, which sets the stage for her journey of self-discovery and pursuit of fame. **