Gilbert Parker 
The Money Master 

"The Money Master" by Gilbert Parker is a gripping novel that immerses readers in the rich history and vibrant personalities of French-Canadian culture. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story follows the life of Jean Jacques Barbille, a successful businessman and financial genius who must navigate complex relationships and personal conflicts to maintain his wealth and power. Jean Jacques Barbille, a wealthy egoist and philosopher from a small Quebec parish, returns from Paris with a Spanish girl named Carmen Dolores as his wife. When their daughter Zoe grows up, Carmen realizes that her husband doesn't pay attention to her, so she leaves him. Jean doesn't want her to get married, so Zoe and her boyfriend go west. The mill then burns down, and Jean's money is stolen. What will they do? Will Jean ever go back to his wife?