ON THE EIGHTH DAY Antonine Maillet Translated by Wayne Grady Toronto, Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1989. 288pp, paper, $14.95 ISBN 0-88619-173-4. (The International Fiction List #44). CIP Post-secondary/Adult Reviewed by Joan VanSickle Heaton. Volume 17 Number 5 1989 September It is important, in reading this book and retaining the thread of the allegory, to study the prefatory notes carefully, and to have some idea of the Rabelaisian style. The story follows four characters with mythical qualities as they make their way across a symbolic landscape, skipping in and out of time. Their names change, the settings change and without some guidance, it is hard to retain the thread of action. Events are based on the childhood memories of Antonine Maillot, who draws in historic and geographic images of her Acadian heritage. Translated richly by Wayne Grady, the language is both heroic and lightly profane. However, despite its noble intentions and excellent English adaptation, it is not recommended for secondary school students unless they have extensive grounding in classical French literature. Joan VanSickle Heaton, LaSalle Secondary School, Kingston, Ont.