Ethel and the Terrorist (Prix France-Québec 1965) is the prophetic story of Paul, a young French Canadian terrorist, and Ethel, whom he loves. These two young people, from parochial backgrounds and impoverished districts of Montreal, are swept into the nationalist-terrorist revolt as activists advocating for Quebec independence.
As nationalism evolves from positive to pathological, bombs begin to fall and so do victims. Paul is a murderer, wanted by the law and feared by an increasingly opportunist 'Movement' because of his relationship with Ethel, who is Jewish.
They flee together to New York, with Paul increasingly questioning the motives and means of the 'Movement.' Ethel, who has been a victim of extreme nationalism elsewhere, is his conscience. She insists that there be no more killing.
While in hiding in New York, Paul and Ethel are pressured to leave the vengeful Movement; they must also avoid a deadly police trap. All the while, they continue to grow closer. The conventions of their mutually exclusive cultures fade before a common humanity and their need for one another. Still, will they choose to flee to Florida, or, together, face their Canadian destiny?
