Photo credit : Krystel V. Morin

Edith Blais

Writer

Edith’s first book, LE SABLIER is a huge success.  More than 60,000 copies have been, 1month post-released.

Its English title, THE WEIGHT OF SAND, is now published by Greystone Books Ltd in September 2021. The book tells the story of Edith’s kidnapping and her 15 months detention at the hands of a terrorist group in the Sahara. The book also comprises a series of poems written in captivity, and showcases illustrations painted by Edith upon her return.

Book

The Weight of Sand (Le Sablier)

2021

The true story of one woman's kidnapping and 450 days of captivity in the Sahara Desert at the hands of terrorists-and her stunning escape to freedom.
In January 2019, news outlets reported that a young Canadian woman and her Italian companion were presumed kidnapped while travelling in Africa's Sahel region, a haven for Islamic terrorists.
Little was known about the pair's fate until they reappeared in Mali more than one year later, having apparently escaped their captors.
Now, in The Weight of Sand, Edith Blais tells the harrowing story of her 450 days of captivity for the first time--and reveals that writing poetry with a borrowed pen helped save her life.

Adapted with permission of the publisher from the book “The Weight of Sand: My 450 Days Held Hostage in the Sahara” written by Edith Blais, translated by Katia Grubisic, and published by Greystone Books in September 2021. Published originally in French under the title “Le Sablier,” by Éditions de L’Homme.

Toronto Star (TheStar)

Septembre 20, 2021 for the release of the book The Weight Of Sand

Tout le monde en parle

February 14th, 2021

"EDITH BLAIS AND DAVID MORIN: 450 DAYS, 10,800 HOURS, 648,000 MINUTES..."
Interview of Edith Blais on the set of Tout le monde en parle

Le Devoir

March 12th, 2021

Block entitled: "A tear in the desert" in the article "The losers, the winners and the women" by Josée Blanchette

Pénélope | Radio Canada

February 15th, 2021

On the program : Pénélope with Pénélope McQuade |

TV5 Monde

February 16th, 2021

Interview for TV5 Monde Info

Rad, laboratoire de journalisme de Radio-Canada

Marche 6th, 2021

450 days in the hands of the jihadists : Edith Blais tells of her escape
A video by Alessandra Rigano, David Valiquette and Frédérique Lacelle.

Urbania

March 6th, 2021

Article "FROM KIDNAPPED TO CONFINED" by Hugo Meunier

Salut bonjour ! | TVA

February 15th, 2021

Launch of Edith Blais' book - Le Sablier: otage au Sahara pendant 450 jours on the program Salut bonjour ! on TVA Nouvelles

La Presse

February 15th, 2021

Article " « J’étais prête à mourir » au moment de fuir " by Janie Gosselin

Les Mille et un Livres

7 avril 2021

Review in the literary blog Les Mille et un livres by Lynda Massicotte

Le journal de Montréal

February 14th, 2021

Article "L'improbable fuite d'une otage québécoise au Mali" by Nora T. Lamontagne

Deux filles le matin | TVA

February 16th, 2021

Program " Deux filles le matin " on TVA News | 45 minutes

98,5 Montréal

February 15th, 2021

" Le Québec maintenant" with Patrick Lagacé