“A gripping identity thriller where autofiction meets science fiction. […] With her sharp eye, she has imagined this dystopia which takes place in 2050 and which is chilling. Because the story is not so far from our reality: omnipresence of viruses forcing seasonal confinements, famished social contacts, extreme weather conditions, restriction of individual liberties, state of surveillance…”—La Presse

“A sensitive novel about the life of a transgender woman in a not so unimaginable dystopian world. It is compelling, intelligent and necessary.”—Clin d’œil

“Chris Bergeron presents an autobiographical science fiction novel with a dystopian flavour, a hybrid object that is both unusual and powerful.”—Elle Québec

“Packed with references to popular culture, from Star Wars to Black Mirror, from Sylvie Vartan to Cirque du Soleil, with a keen eye for society and a formidable sense of formula, Valide transports us thirty years into the future. If her first novel offers a fine philosophical reflection on society, Chris Bergeron considers it more like a heartfelt cry.”—Le Devoir

“This first novel by Chris Bergeron is a pleasant surprise! But what on earth is an
“autobiographical science fiction novel”, you might ask. Deeply original, this story of a
trans journey blurring the boundaries between the real and the imaginary takes place in
a futuristic and liberticidal Montreal. […] We are already waiting for the next projects of this new author with such a singular voice!” —Librairie Gallimard (Montréal)

“Chris Bergeron delivers a very successful autobiographical science fiction novel. […]
The author delivers her story in a very catchy way. I had the impression of entering her
head. We live her doubts, the insults of which she is victim, the difficulty to choose
without imposing what she is, her liberation also as an assumed transgender.” —Page by page

“A true homage to the books of the genre, this hybrid of several languages and literary
universes proves to be incredibly effective and often astonishes by the twists and
multiple confessions of the narrator. You will be absorbed by the originality of the reading, until the explosive end!” —Billy Robinson, The Literary Vector

“An unusual work full of references to popular culture, a true literary UFO that cannot be
compared to any other work, Valide offers a fair and disturbing look at the place of trans
women in the world, the problematic situations they face and the inequalities they suffer on a daily basis. A tour de force!” —Nicholas Giguère, Collections

“A dystopia where the spark of resistance persists. A tumultuous, captivating, and liberating freedive.”—Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay, author

“Feeling valid is the great struggle of anyone who lives on the margins of society, and not by choice. Even if you are strong—because I believe that you have to be to live the life of a trans woman—you need this benevolent look that accepts, that approves. […] Still today, many people question the validity of our identity. Using this word as a title was a way to reappropriate it and make it a rallying cry.”—Chris Bergeron, author

A work of autobiographical fiction that weaves in elements of sci-fi and hints of cyberpunk, Valid defies genres in more ways than one. This novel offers a retelling of the author’s past and her own transition while simultaneously looking towards the future and the potential it holds. The result is the story of a trans Montreal woman who leads her own revolution one night in 2050.

“Dear David, dear algorithm, tonight I’m done hiding. I’m going to tell you everything. You won’t like it. It won’t follow your protocols. It will make your code squeal. But what I’m about to do isn’t for myself. I know it will cost me. I know you’ll try to make me pay. To set the record straight. You’ll want to erase me from your memory, but you won’t be able to. I used my secret weapon. You wanted my memories, so now you’ll have my memoir. David, Christian is going to die tonight. Forever. By your hand or by mine.”

This work of queer fiction is fueled by the eclecticism of its author and borrows from the sparkle of futuristic fiction, the science fiction of N.K. Jemisin and Becky Chambers, the rich literary traditions of Yukio Mishima, and the sharp eye of Nelly Arcan. With a touch of Star Wars for good measure.