François Guerrette, Canada

François Guerrette (born in 1986 in Rimouski) writes dense, strong poetry that is at the same time accessible and complex. His poems can be read just as much in bars as in classrooms – Guerrette often reads with a jazz accompaniment. François Guerrette lives in Montreal and is currently writing a doctoral thesis at the Université de Montréal on the work of Denis Vanier. His poetry collections include Constellation des grands brûlés (2017) and Pleurer ne sauvera pas les étoiles (2012), which has also been translated into English (Weeping Will Not Save the Stars, Ekstatis Editions 2015). As guest of honour of the Paris Poetry Market in 2018 he has for many years been the co-director and host of the Cabaret du Festival international de la littérature.

Publications:
Les oiseaux parlent au passé. Poètes de brousse, 2009
Panique chez les parlants. Poètes de brousse, 2010
Pleurer ne sauvera pas les étoiles. Poètes de brousse, 2012
Mes ancêtres reviendront de la guerre. Poètes de brousse, 2014
Constellation des grands brûlés. Poètes de brousse, 2017

Prices:
2009: Émile-Nelligan-Preis, Finalist
2012: Émile-Nelligan-Preis, Finalist
2018: Prix des Libraires du Québec
2018: Émile-Nelligan-Preis