Marie-Claire Blais Born in Quebec, Marie-Claire Blais published her first novel at the age of 20, and has gone on to publish 20 novels to date in France and Quebec--all of which have been translated into English--in addition to five plays and several collections of poetry. All of her writings have met with international acclaim. Winner of the Prix Medicis, the Prix Belgo-Canadien, the Prix France-Quebec and many others, Blais continues to devote herself to work that is proud and exacting.