Erratics, The: 2019 Stella Prize Winner

The Erratics by Vicki Laveau-Harvie is a haunting, sharp-edged memoir that traverses the complexities of family, memory, and survival. Winner of the 2019 Stella Prize, The Erratics recounts the authors harrowing return to rural Canada to confront her estranged parents. When Laveau-Harvie learns her elderly mother has been hospitalized, she and her sister return home after years of estrangement, only to confront deeply buried traumas and dark secrets of family life. The memoir explores the psychological toll of her mothers mental illness and the influence of her fathers quiet complicity, revealing a tale that blends dark humor with raw honesty.

Laveau-Harvies narrative style captivates readers, turning what could be a bleak recount into a tale that is at once surreal and deeply poignant. With biting humor, she dissects the bonds of family loyalty, the struggle for personal boundaries, and the eventual journey to self-discovery. Critics have praised The Erratics for its skillful prose and compelling perspective, with The Guardian noting it as an extraordinary memoir and The New York Times calling it an indelible story of familial dysfunction and resilience.

This book is essential for those drawn to memoirs about overcoming family trauma, stories that explore the emotional landscapes of survival, and narratives that probe the human condition with wit and candor. Through sharp, eloquent language, The Erratics provides readers with an unforgettable exploration of how we define family, survival, and freedom in our lives.

Author Biography:

• Vicki Laveau-Harvie was born in Canada and grew up on the prairies before moving to Paris and later settling in Australia. Her life across continents and cultures has profoundly influenced her perspective and writing style.

• A former academic with a focus on French literature, Laveau-Harvies linguistic skill and love for storytelling permeate her work. She spent years teaching, translating, and exploring the intricacies of language, which would later shape her unique narrative voice in The Erratics.

• Her memoir, The Erratics, won the prestigious Stella Prize in 2019, a testament to its literary merit and impact. The book has since become an international sensation, lauded for its raw, unflinching portrayal of familial ties and personal boundaries.

• Notable Reviews: Critics have applauded The Erratics for its incisive exploration of mental illness and familial strain. The Guardian describes it as extraordinary, while The Sydney Morning Herald calls it a beautifully rendered, poignant story of resilience.

• Laveau-Harvies work resonates with readers and critics alike, offering a rare mix of wit, eloquence, and emotional depth. She has expressed that writing about family and trauma has been as therapeutic as it was challenging, allowing her to connect deeply with readers facing similar experiences.

Through The Erratics, Vicki Laveau-Harvie opens a window into the complex world of family dynamics, delivering a story that is as insightful as it is unforgettable.