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How about that Mordecai Richler.

When I was a wee lad growing up in working-class Montreal, Mr. Richler was depicted in the French media as The Enemy, a fierce troll of sorts. He spewed his venom all over French Canadians and their crazy language laws. I never cared to learn more about the man. He was best ignored, said the media.

In my early 20's, I once took the mic at Mr. Richler's favorite hang-out spot, Grumpy's on Crescent St, and read a somewhat famous poem by Claude Gauvreau, Ode l'ennemi (Ode to the Enemy). I thought I was being subversive and shit. But even by then, I knew little about Mr. Richler outside of his animosity towards my people.

Then, a couple weeks ago, I catch Barney's Version on TV and I fall over backwards as I watch this ridiculous Montrealer Jew make a fool of himself every chance he gets. I'm kind of in love.

Then I pick up the (e)book, which is just about the funniest shit I've ever read. It's pretty opaque if you're not from Montreal, but still quite readable.

Anyway.

I have a mancrush on The Enemy. And I believe that he woulda laughed at my reading Gauvreau at "his" bar. Then I reckon that he woulda kicked my ass and/or bought me a beer.

Shit's fonny.

I wanna quit my job and become a despicable, semi-successful writer.
 
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My knowledge of Mordecai Richler is limited. I'm pretty sure I own the book Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang. I'd have to check to be sure but anyway, I know I read it (as an adult).

I have seen the movies of his two biggest titles, Duddy Kravitz and Joshua Then and Now. But it's been so long I don't even have a sense of what he's like.

Haven't seen Barney's Version yet although I heard enough good things that I probably will at some point.
 
There's a slogan.

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