In the story “My Almighty Grandmother” by Gabriela Roy, the narrator is a six-year-old girl who unwillingly spends time with her grandmother in the summer. Through her eyes, I can see an old lady with failing memory. Also, the story revolves around three women who are separated by belonging to different generations: a young girl, her grandmother, and mother. Moreover, it is a nice story spanning across countries since the grandmother relocates from Quebec to France.
The use of metaphors in the story makes it enjoyable as it challenges the reader to think deeper to understand it. Christine says that her grandmother made her a doll called Anastasie by stitching together various pieces of fabric. Using the doll as a metaphor, the narrator refers to the movement or relocation of her grandmother from Canada to France and how she started a new life there. Moreover, in the dream about her grandmother, she says that, perhaps, the world was made by an old woman. This indicates the caring nature of grandmothers and the vital part they play in the family.
Adults in society tend to protect the young ones from unpleasant situations to avoid the embarrassment of explaining their failures. For instance, Christine’s sister falls ill but her family pretends that she is well, refusing to tell her, and when the girl dies, they tell her that it is the act of God although, she knows it is not true. The young girl recounts some instances where she was sent to bed to sleep while her mother was discussing her love life with the grandmother.
The story is filled with both urban and rural Canadian settings. For instance, Christine says that her parents migrated from beautiful hills and a small river found in Quebec. The description of the beautiful small hills and the river propels the young girl into her dreams. She dreams about her grandmother being in heaven where she flies on the clouds with God. She further elevates her grandmother by comparing her goodness to that of God.
The story reminds me of when I was growing up in the countryside. I used to listen to my grandfather’s fables and his experience during World War II. It rekindles fond memories I have about my childhood. Those stories instilled in me the spirit of hard work and determination. I become nostalgic whenever I recall our days together, and even today, my grandfather remains my hero.