---Aylmer’s Maxime Gauld publishes first book

Finally seeing two years of dedicated writing, time and focus come to fruition, local resident and author Maxime Gauld recently published his first novel – a socio-political fiction based on actualities of the real world. Titled L’Auberge Mirifique, the book follows a group of friends and the memories they make at the inn in their local town, and the actions undertaken by militant groups to paralyze the government.

In an interview with the Aylmer Bulletin, Gauld said he was thrilled to finally see his novel hit the shelves, and looks forward on hearing feedback from its readers. Noting that he started writing the book before the pandemic, Gauld explained that the structure of the story is rather unorthodox while retaining its essence, coherence and fluidity. “It jumps from one person to another and travels through time, from today to six months ago, to two months after that,” Gauld said. Stating that the introduction demands the readers’ utmost attention, Gauld assured us that the rest of the book is an effortlessly entertaining read.

Divided into two parts, the story comprises around 40 short chapters featuring six different narrative voices and minimal dialogue. “You really get into the heads of the characters,” Gauld said. Emphasizing a simple-to-read writing style, Gauld felt it was important to show that quality literature doesn’t need big words and obscure vocabulary. “Sometimes we have a tendency to think that we need to write very poetically,” Gauld said. “I want to give the example to people that you can give good messages and say interesting things by using words that we use every day.”

Pointing to what inspired the book, Gauld said that he had wanted to write something that incorporated fictional elements that reflected the issues of today, how people interact in the public sphere, and how that could contribute to radical mobilization. He added that he hopes the book inspires people to find the urge to take action to make a difference in their lives.

Having owned a tavern and been a bartender for a considerable period of his life, Gauld said the book was partly a way of expressing his point of view on society. Admittedly not the biggest book reader and with no previous educational background in literature but an enthusiastic lover of art, he said the book was the product of his desire for artistic expression. “I’m 41, and I told myself that my point of view on the world is starting to crystallize itself,” Gauld said. “I think that’s what allowed me to feel ready to write something, assured that I won’t be changing my opinion in the future. Having greatly enjoyed the experience, Gauld said he’s excited by the possibility of eventually writing his second novel. “If I realize that it’s something that’s worth the process of doing again, in the sense that it’s pertinent for the community to put my time into that, I’ll do it again,” Gauld said. “I really loved doing it.”

Published through Les Éditions mirifique, the book’s official release date was February 22.  Available for $14.95 at the following locations – Librairie Bouquinart in Aylmer, and Librairie du Soleil in both Hull, and Ottawa - the 166-page softcover novel is also being sold online by independent book stores from the province.

An Aylmer native, Gauld has a background in project management and entrepreneurship - notably having operated downtown Hull pub Le Petit Chicago, among others. He has contributed to some of the region’s most notable cultural events, and is currently an economic consultant with the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce. Presently residing in Deschênes, Gauld is also part of the Deschênes residents association’s board of directors.