Portrait of a Husband with the Ashes of His Wife

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ALMA JONCAS WAS one of the most acclaimed, the most venerated actresses in all Quebec. Until the day she turned fifty.

A tough moment for any actress whose life marks time with her roles.

A tough moment too for her spouse who must constantly feed her self-esteem and her hopes so that she won’t collapse into depression.

Doctor Alexandre Maras, ophthalmological surgeon, mentioned the name of his wife to all the producers and directors among his patients. All replied that Alma was a great artist, that they would definitely call her when a suitable role came along. But Alma’s telephone was silent and all signs suggested that her age — too mature for a young lover, not old enough for a granny — would confine her to the worst fate that can be inflicted on an actress: invisibility.

Alma was driven to despair but refused to resign herself. Rather than let time mould her for the granny and old nurse parts, she decided to hurry things up by stuffing herself with everything that would make her put on weight.

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