Quebec author Thélyson Orélien has decided to halt his efforts to gather evidence refuting claims that artificial intelligence was involved in the creation of his novel, as confirmed by his publisher.
This decision concludes the previously disclosed collaboration between Orélien and Éditions du Boréal to investigate the writing process behind “C’était ça ou mourir,” which translates to “It was either that or dying.” The uncertainty regarding the use of AI in writing the novel persists, even as the publisher maintains its sales.
Renaud Roussel, co-director of Éditions du Boréal, stated in an email to The Canadian Press that Orélien chose to discontinue the evidence-collection process. He expressed the publisher’s support for Orélien’s decision, noting their preference for definitive resolutions to the AI allegations.
Despite requests for comment, Orélien has not responded to inquiries about his choice to end the investigation. The publisher had previously disclosed their collaboration with Orélien to document his manuscript’s creation process.
Roussel clarified that the initiative originated from Orélien and that the publisher merely supported him. He emphasized that the publisher’s stance on the matter remains unchanged. Sales of the novel have slowed amid the controversy without specific figures provided by the publisher.
Although the book is currently out of stock at Boréal, it remains available in bookstores, with a new printing scheduled. Renaud-Bray, a major Quebec bookstore chain, noted no significant changes in sales. In contrast, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec reported high demand for the digital edition, with 1,713 reservations recorded.
Amidst the ongoing debate, Orélien’s manuscript was submitted to Boréal on Sept. 12, 2025. The publisher emphasized its role in supporting authors rather than demanding proof, allowing readers to form their judgments.
In response, Orélien stated he owed no explanations to his accusers and denied employing AI in writing the novel, citing his work on it since 2017. The novel faced exclusion from the Prix Goncourt due to AI and plagiarism allegations, with Orélien admitting to previous plagiarism while maintaining the novel’s authenticity.
Boréal suspended promotional activities temporarily in September but announced the continued sale of the book despite the unresolved AI claims.
