User reviews

I was 36-years old and my daughter 7 at the time. We are french-Canadian (but read, write and speak English fluently as well) and love history, in particularly the one from the province of Quebec, where we were born and still live. This TV-series is based on a true story. Though the real life of Emilie Bordeleau and Ovila Pronovost was a bit more romanced in the series, their story was amazingly well reproduced through remarkable actors, producers and directors. And what about the scenery and the music. The way large country families in the late 1800's and early 1900's lived and struggled for their survival, the primary school teaching, religion's tremendous influence, women's poor condition, men's speaking authority, the meanness of minds towards unknown illnesses (relating them to the devil), the first world war... with a sense of true love and tight friendship linking the people together against all odds. Those who love history, even if it isn't theirs, should read the books (3), and we can assure them they will fall in love with Émilie and Ovila. I deeply regret that this great story has been compared to superficial empty afternoon soaps. I really do. Too bad, they've missed something very special. Fortunately, my daughter and grand-daughter will not.

I loved this series. Though I'm English speaking I have enough French to understand it. (I also later watched the English version with my parents but prefer it in french.)

This series is NOT superficial and unbelievable like soap operas are. My parents grew up in conditions much like this series portrayed, so we all found it very realistic. (My paternal grandmother gave birth to her last four children at home alone.) This series told it like it was for many families in this time period. Many diseases were not curable/controllable, and children died. Times were harsh, people were poor. We saw them as real people with all their flaws. This show spared no punches.

I also thought the entire casting was excellent. Because it was a series there was time to fully develop many characters and I cared about them all.

I have the first book in the series and have finally managed to obtain the series on DVD. I am looking forward to revisiting this excellent series.

I loved this series having watched it over 25 years ago now. I would love to watch it again but can't find it anywhere

Unfortunately, this series was rather boring. I had to watch it in my grade 11 and 12 french classes. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love french, it was after all my first language, but this is a french soap opera, which is not really my sort of thing. I understand that in those days, there wasn't really much to do other than have kids and die, but I think it's highly unnecessary to make an entire 20 film series out of it. I would rather read Petit Prince (Antoine De St. Exupery) any day! However, if you do enjoy soap operas, and can understand french, well go for it: dive into the world of Emilie Bordeleau. And if you enjoyed Les Filles De Caleb, I recommend reading Maria Chapdelaine (I'm an unsure of the author).