Key Highlights
- Louise Penny’s new book “The Black Wolf” predicts the 51st state plan for Canada.
- The book was written before Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President.
- The Haskell Library in Vermont and Quebec serves as a symbolic setting in the novel.
- Trump’s decision to close the library sparked controversy among Canadian readers.
Louise Penny’s Political Thriller Predicts Canada’s Future
Bestselling author Louise Penny has penned a new thriller, “The Black Wolf,” which predicts the potential annexation of Canada as the 51st state. This fictional scenario was written before Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President, making it a prescient work in retrospect.
Prescient Fiction Becomes Reality
In her latest novel, Penny explores the complex political landscape that might lead to Canada becoming part of the United States. The book raises questions about the stability of North American relations and the potential consequences for both countries involved. According to Penny, “There are elements in my book that want Canada to become the 51st State. I was afraid when I wrote it that I had taken it too far.”
Symbolic Setting: The Haskell Library
A key setting in “The Black Wolf” is a real-world library and opera house, The Haskell Library, which sits on the border between Vermont and Quebec. This unique structure has historical significance as it represents the cultural and geographical interconnections between the two countries. However, Penny highlights its vulnerability: “They decided they would close this library to Canadians, which was such a petty thing to do.”
Political Repercussions
The decision by the Trump administration to close the library led to significant backlash among Canadian readers and critics. Penny explains, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be invited to The Kennedy Center. It would have been incredibly meaningful, a real watermark for me.” Unfortunately, she was ultimately unable to attend due to political pressures within the United States.
Reflecting on the current state of U.S.-Canada relations, Penny observes, “The sense of outrage and hurt in Canada when Trump first imposed crippling tariffs was palpable.
Many people believe that the plan is to bring us to our knees economically. Respect for the US among Canadians is very, very low.” She adds, “Six months to a year we could probably take, but four years down the line, I’m not sure.”
Despite facing challenges in touring the United States due to political tensions, Penny remains committed to her readership and the cultural bond between Canada and the U.S. “America is by far my biggest market but it’s important for me to make the distinction between the administration and my readers. This is not an attack on my readers, but just in support of Canada.”
Background and Inspiration
Louise Penny’s journey as a writer began after 9/11 when she created her fictional village of Three Pines as a safe haven for characters to explore complex human emotions. The lead detective, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, is inspired by her late husband Michael Whitehead, who battled dementia. Penny emphasizes the importance of creating a place where readers can find solace: “Three Pines is the code for safety, initially many hundreds of years ago for loyalists that came across during the American Revolution.”
Reflecting on her career and the impact of her work, Penny remains humble and dedicated to her craft. “I started Gamache hoping to create a character I would not tire of, so I created a man I would marry.
He is not perfect but easy to be with – he is a decent person.” Her latest novel, “The Grey Wolf,” continues the legacy established by previous works like “Still Life” and “State Of Terror.”
As the world grapples with geopolitical challenges, Penny’s fictional predictions serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between nations. Her work not only entertains but also provokes thought on the future of international relations.
