As a work of art, as an insight into history, and as a moving story of survival in the midst of pitiless nature, "Maria Chapdelaine" has cast its spell over millions of readers around the world. At least 230 different editions have been published in twenty-three countries since it first appeared in 1916. Maria lives with her family near Peribonka in Quebec, a snowy, harsh world where work is hard and pleasures are few. She has three suitors from whom to choose, but in the end, her destiny is hers. After her mother dies, she takes up the family duties and stays with her younger siblings to care for them. Ever since it was published, "Maria Chapdelaine" was controversial. Was Maria right to submit to fate? "From the Hardcover edition."