Quebec-based author Thélyson Orélien is drawing international attention with his debut novel, “C’était ça ou mourir” (It Was This or Die), which casts a stark light on the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants, particularly those fleeing the United States under the Trump administration, in search of refuge in Canada.
The novel, published in 2026 by Éditions du Boréal, centers on the character of Jonas Dorléon, a Haitian history and geography teacher forced to flee his homeland due to escalating violence and insecurity. His odyssey through the Americas, with the ultimate goal of reaching Canada, forms the narrative core, exploring themes of exile, migration, fear, survival, family memory, and the fundamental human quest for dignity.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Orélien, himself of Haitian origin and a resident of Quebec since 2010 following the devastating earthquake in his native country, draws from his own experiences and those of the Haitian diaspora to imbue his work with authenticity. His writing often navigates the complexities of dual identity, the enduring connection to his homeland, and the profound impact of finding a new home in Quebec.
The narrative of “C’était ça ou mourir” is not merely a fictional account but a reflection of real-world events and the growing anxieties among Haitian nationals residing in the United States. Reports from early 2026 highlighted a significant number of Haitian migrants in the U.S. considering a move to Canada due to fears of deportation, particularly with the impending expiration of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
This wave of migration has seen individuals, often enduring harsh winter conditions, undertaking dangerous irregular crossings into Canada, predominantly into Quebec. Since Christmas Day of 2025, Quebec authorities have reported numerous such crossings, with some migrants requiring hospitalization for hypothermia and frostbite. The Canadian Border Services Agency has noted that some of these individuals have been swiftly deported back to the United States, a consequence of changes made in 2023 to the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the U.S. This agreement generally mandates that asylum seekers must claim refugee status in the first safe country they arrive in, effectively closing off a direct route to asylum in Canada for those who have transited through the U.S.
However, exceptions to this agreement, such as having close family ties in Canada or being an unaccompanied minor, offer a glimmer of hope for some. Additionally, migrants who manage to remain undetected in Canada for at least 14 days may also be eligible to apply for asylum. Prior to 2023, routes like Roxham Road were significant entry points for asylum seekers into Canada, who were then allowed to have their claims processed while in the country.
Orélien’s novel also touches upon the U.S. immigration policies, specifically referencing the enforcement tactics under Donald Trump. The author has indicated in interviews that the desperation leading characters to lie or falsify documents to survive their journey is a stark reality, a theme directly referenced in the novel’s title, “It Was This or Die.” This highlights the extreme measures individuals are forced to consider when faced with life-threatening circumstances.
The novel has garnered considerable praise for its literary merit and its timely exploration of the migrant experience. Critics have lauded Orélien’s “magnificent” prose and his ability to convey the raw, often brutal, reality of migration with profound humanity. The book is seen as a significant contribution to contemporary literature, addressing the complexities of identity, memory, and belonging in the face of displacement.
The Haitian diaspora, which numbers in the millions globally, has been significantly impacted by economic instability, gang violence, and political crises in Haiti. This has led to substantial migration flows towards countries like the Dominican Republic, the United States, Cuba, Chile, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, the Bahamas, and France. In Canada, particularly in Quebec, there is a notable Haitian community, with Montreal and Quebec City being major centers of settlement.
Orélien, who also works as a journalist and commentator, has been a prominent voice discussing social and political issues through his writing. His blog and published columns frequently address themes relevant to the migrant experience, cultural identity, and the challenges faced by those seeking a better life. His background, with a degree in economics and political science from the University of Montreal, further informs his insightful commentary on societal dynamics.
The reception of “C’était ça ou mourir” suggests a strong potential for it to be a contender for literary awards, with predictions of its inclusion in award discussions in Europe. The novel’s universality, coupled with its specific focus on the contemporary migration crisis and its intersection with U.S. policy, has resonated with readers and critics alike, positioning Thélyson Orélien as a significant emerging voice in literature.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
