Code Noir, the debut fiction work from acclaimed, award-winning poet, editor, and writer Canisia Lubrin was named a best book of 2024 by CBC and The Globe and Mail. Departing from the “Code Noir” historic decrees in 17th century France which defined the conditions of slavery in the French colonial empire, the book of the same name has 59 linked fictions.

In conversation with Dionne Brand, these two literary stars discuss Lubrin’s brilliant book, writing in the long shadow of imperialism, and the intellectual and emotional vigour behind each of these stories.