Born in Haiti, Rodney Saint-Éloi lives in Montreal. Poet, novelist, essayist, he is the founder of the publishing house Mémoire d’encrier. Winner of the Charles Biddle Prize, which highlights the exceptional contribution of people who have immigrated to Quebec, he is a member of the Académie des lettres du Québec. “We Shall Not Betray the Poem,” the anthology of his poems was published in the Points collection, and his narrative “When it’s sad, Bertha sings», tribute to his mother, Héloïse d’Ormesson editions.
“In this beautifully written story, the author pays homage to his mother, Bertha. This great black lady of exemplary energy and generosity, “in love with love”, has just died. Rodney, her eldest son, recounts the blue childhood in their native country, their journey of exile, she in New York, he in Montreal. The son dialogues with the mother. He is the one who grew up under the dictatorship, who dreamed of being a writer and who manages to put words to anger, pain, joy, courage and love. She is the mother who carries the memory of the “rotten country” and the light of hope. Bertha’s words, poignant and beautiful, makes the music and the dignity of this art of being a mother heard.” (Presentation of Editions Héloise d’Ormesson)