Ti-Jean’s Last Adventure, as Told to Raccoon is a delightfully magical story, blending indigenous Canadian storytelling with modern day theatrics. We hear the story of an old man who makes a bet with Death and does everything he can to cheat his way out of an ending. It’s an interesting tale to be sure, but the telling of it is the most fascinating aspect of the story. Our storyteller roams North America looking for someone to listen, only to find a receptive oversized raccoon eating fast-food trash in an alley.
The raccoon is constantly interjecting thoughts and tidbits, adding unexpected humor throughout. The back and forth banter is hilarious, and gives this story a very modern feel. In the end, that aspect upholds the moral, that in order to live forever, your story must be told and retold, adapted with each generation to continue in perpetuity.
I loved everything about this story, from the characters to the playfulness of the story to the expert writing. I found myself unexpectedly going on a few Google trails to learn more about the various cultural figures shouted out by Ti-Jean in his time of need. The resulting stories are fascinating and should be shared by new generations. I hadn’t heard of most of them and I’m glad this story introduced me to them.
Ti-Jean’s Last Adventure, as Told to Raccoon
Written by KT Bryski
Lightspeed Magazine
February 2019
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