A novel titled C’était ça ou mourir (which translates to "That or Die") by Thélyson Orélien, a Haitian-born writer based in Quebec, has drawn considerable attention in Francophone literary circles. Published on August 19 by the renowned French publisher Grasset, the book was among 461 Francophone literary works announced for the French literary season. This season includes both original French-language novels and translated works from other languages, with 117 of those being translations. The novel initially appeared in March, published by Boréal, a Montreal-based publishing house known for its focus on French-language literature. According to Le Soir, a Belgian daily newspaper, the book had already started an "underground life" since last winter, suggesting it had gained a buzz or word-of-mouth popularity before its official release. At the time of its initial publication, the novel’s rights had already been sold to 13 foreign publishers, in addition to Grasset for Francophone Europe. As of August 15, the novel had been translated into 22 languages and published in 26 countries, according to Le Devoir, a Canadian newspaper. This rapid international interest highlights the book's appeal beyond its original Francophone audience. The story is said to tackle contemporary issues related to immigration, a topic of growing relevance in many parts of the world. Orélien’s background as a Haitian writer adds a unique perspective to the narrative, potentially offering insights into the experiences of migrants and the challenges they face.