Author’s Acknowledgements - Asbestos

Asbestos is a work of fiction fuelled by a kaleidoscope of memories of questionable accuracy, generously leavened with inventions of my own.

Residents of the neighbourhood we have called Mitchell-town will notice that I have taken liberties with several geographical references, preferring to explore my childhood and teenage memories of the place (1983–93) and twisting certain facts and details for the sake of the novel.

I owe a great debt of gratitude to Jean Morin, a retired miner who lived in quartier Mitchell, for his generous answers to many of my questions. I couldn’t have asked for a more gracious guide!

My deep thanks to Steve Dubois for lending me his name. Special shoutout to the 1992–93 cohort of Albert Carrier high school. I also thank the following wonderful people from the bottom of my heart for their discussions and encouragement throughout the writing of this novel: Alexandre Dostie, Nicholas Giguère, Mélopée B. Montminy, Ciprian Popescu, Stéphane Larue, and Gabriel Tremblay-Gaudette.

And last but not least, my thanks to Mylène, Paul, Simon Philippe, and the entire team at La Peuplade, for your friendship and support throughout the process.

This book is dedicated to my son, Julien.