The highly controversial, unauthorized biography, Tell me, Celine by Laurence Catinot-Crost, which has just been published in France and will be available in bookstores in Quebec in a few days, is rich in words and anecdotes. Despite its shortcomings and the biographer’s “big” lie, the work allows us to learn a little more about Charlemagne’s diva.
Even before its publication, this biography was the subject of controversy.
Photo provided by City Editions
Laurence Catinot-Crost made an unforgivable mistake when she told the French press La Dépêche that she had conducted long-term interviews with Celine Dion in order to write her book. This statement is false: the biographer never spoke to Celine Dion. Her publisher had to reject the biographer’s claims.
However, Laurence Catinot-Crost did a quality job. She had no reason to make such a statement. She certainly didn’t realize the magnitude of her lie. This unfortunate naivety robs her biography of so much credibility that we question the veracity of certain revelations about Celine Dion.
This is all the more significant when you consider that there are already a dozen or so unauthorized biographies about Céline Dion, most of them by French authors who have not necessarily caused such a stir. However, I think this is another one that is better documented than several others.
Surprised
Delivered in an intimate way, we must acknowledge that this biography is interesting and well written and that, despite everything we have read about Céline over the decades, it gives us the opportunity to learn something new. In addition, due to the numerous references, everything indicates that the research was well carried out.
Among the surviving anecdotes, we amusingly learn that Céline’s cousin is the Queen’s consort, Camilla Parker Bowles. According to the author who created the family tree of Céline’s ancestors, which dates back to the 17th century, they are ninth cousins. Otherwise, several anecdotes are known.
However, the author highlights various approaches used by René Angelil that will surprise many.
The author writes with great respect and admiration about Céline Dion and compares her several times to the singer Maria Callas, especially because of her love and need for singing.
His illness
Although people close to Céline, including her sister Claudette, have tried more than once to downplay Céline’s illness, Stiff Person Syndrome, which forces her to cancel shows, it is clear to us that her health problems, according to the The author is far more serious than the diva’s entourage initially suggested.
To learn more, the author sought information from American specialists, in particular at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who describe the syndrome as a rare neurological disorder that has the characteristics of an autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs characterized by increased sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch and emotional stress, which can trigger muscle spasms in the legs, arms, back and even the face.
It is a chronic disease for which there is currently no cure. However, some symptoms can be treated with sedatives, muscle relaxants and steroids.
The author also received information from Julien Cavanagh, a neurologist in Boston who specializes in autoimmune diseases. He states that this disease causes the immune system, which normally protects us from viruses and bacteria, to turn against humans and begin to attack microscopic structures of the central nervous system, which is responsible for muscle relaxation.
Nevertheless, according to the author, Céline, as fierce as we know her, would have wanted to go further to treat herself by opting for muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants), a treatment offered to her by Dr. Jill R. Schofield, a leader, was offered authority. He works in this area at the Center for Multi-system Disease in Colorado.
Céline restricts herself to an anti-inflammatory diet, exercises regularly, practices breathing techniques and practices meditation, especially to reduce stress, while working with a physical therapist.
One thing is certain: Céline, now in the shadows, shows great courage, spares no effort and does everything to get through and one day return to the stage.
♦ Available in Quebec from September 11th.