Today Dominique Bertrand devotes her life to her profession as a novelist. As she publishes her third novel, Secret gardens full of nettlesthe ex-model tells us about her book and opens the door to her universe.
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In his third novel, Dominique Bertrand portrays lazy characters afflicted by life’s trials who, thank God, will find light at the rest stop on the edge of La Vérendrye Park. “If there is nothing beautiful left in our life and it is all over, is it possible to be reborn from our ashes? I based my story on this question. So I started the story of Clara, a somewhat snobbish woman who married a good guy who became a bandit. She feels her life no longer lives up to her values and decides to get out of it. His first step to freedom is to take his car and drive until he runs out of gas. She is then forced to stop at the Thank God Rest Area, a lost hole, where she meets Richard, a trucker who will help her live her resurrection.
A NICE OUTLET
Alternating between the themes of revenge, domestic violence, incest and grief, this novel also leaves much room for hope. “I really paid the bill! I also warn readers at the beginning of my book that it is against the law to take the law into your own hands, as the character of Clara does. However, I am aware that we have all wanted to do it at some point, especially when we are the victim of injustice or when we see injustice being done. It felt good to write that! And I’m sure it’s good for readers who have been treated unfairly to read this. In the end there is light in all of this! Above all, I hope that this story will inspire you to rediscover the joy of life and to bite into life. It is not a weakness but a strength to recognize that we need help. I also love that people can recover from really difficult things when they didn’t think they had the strength to do it.
A SERIES UNDER DEVELOPMENT
His story has enough to make people react and Dominique Bertrand is proud to announce that production company Zone3 has already acquired the rights to adapt his book for television. “The rights were acquired before my book even hit the shelves, which is very rare in the publishing world. I believe my story is current and strikes many chords. My novel is currently in its second edition. As for the TV series, I’m very involved in this project. I trust the Zone3 team. It’s a real privilege for me to know that my characters will come to life on screen.” Note that it’s too early to tell where and when this project will see the light of day.
FOUR GENERATIONS OF STRONG WOMEN
Dominique Bertrand dedicates this new novel to his mother Aline, who will soon be 92, as well as to her daughter Rosemarie and her granddaughter Mathilde, who was born on March 1st. “I want my daughter and granddaughter to remember that it’s always possible to defend yourself, say no and break out of an impasse if you have the means to do so. They need to be able to say no to what is unhealthy for them. For her part, my mother has stood her ground all her life. In times of need, she always knew how to show dignity and strength of character. It was so nice to see her next to her great granddaughter recently. We are very fortunate to be alongside four generations of strong women.”
A SATISFIED GRANDMA
Dominique Bertrand is very happy to finally experience the happiness of being a grandmother. “Oh, how happy I am! I was really ready to be a grandmother! I didn’t want to bother my daughter with this, but when she told me she was pregnant I was very happy. I think my granddaughter is so beautiful! My daughter Rosemarie lives five blocks from us; it is therefore easy for me to go to her. My husband, Jacques, and I plan to stay close to the little one for the coming months. And maybe we’ll go on a family trip at the end of the summer.” The novelist also makes sure not to transmit viruses to little Mathilde. “I don’t want to endanger his health. I also have to take care of myself because during the pandemic I was diagnosed with a heart problem which is currently well treated and medicated, so at 65 I have to be ever more vigilant not to get sick.
Photo: Guy Beaupre / Les Publi
Novelist first
Professionally, Dominique Bertrand no longer aspires to present radio or television. “My job now is writing! I write from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Saturday and Sunday. I also have another idea in mind for a novel that I haven’t started writing yet. Even if I no longer do television, I’m always happy to be invited to shows where I’m well received. I feel like I’ve walked the garden in terms of TV and radio entertainment. I leave all the space to the younger generation. For my part, I really feel in my place while writing.
AN ACCEPTED 60 YEAR OLD NAVIAN
In addition, after participating in the program Injections et bistouris, broadcast on Canal Vie, the ex-model states that she wants to relieve women of guilt who choose non-surgical rejuvenation or beautification techniques. “I have no taboo for that! I have agreed to participate in this program to show what the procedures are and why I am not holding back. In my opinion it is possible to get some improvements in the face while still looking natural. However, you must not go so far that you are no longer recognized on the street. For example, if you’re renovating a century-old house, you don’t want it to look like a brand new bungalow. It is important that it retains its charm. You have to accept getting older, but if you can help yourself with a few little things, why not? That’s my attitude!” she concludes.
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