Gabrielle Roy distinguished herself as a pioneer of social realism in Quebec with the publication of her first novel, The Tin Flute (1945). Inspired by the impoverished neighbourhood of Saint-Henri, it presented a harshly realistic picture of the lives of many urban French Canadians. Her subsequent works sensitively explored universal themes through descriptions of the immigrant experience and her years in Manitoba’s Francophone community. Roy’s masterful storytelling, clear prose, and profound humanity have assured her an enduring place in the Canadian literary landscape.

Gabrielle Roy's first novel, The Tin Flute (1945), brought her immediate recognition as an important writer and a pioneer of social realism in Quebec. Subsequent works sensitively explored universal themes through descriptions of the immigrant experience and her years in the Franco-Manitoban community, establishing her reputation for masterful storytelling, clear prose, and a profound humanity. All her life, Roy remained attached to this simple, welcoming family home – a typical middle-class residence built in 1905 – where she was born and lived until 1937. With its vibrant world of people and events, this house, now a national historic site, was often described and idealized in her writing, especially in Street of Riches (1955).