Hello readers,
When my book was released in May 2025, I first shared the news with my family and friends around the world, as well as with my proofreader. Then I put it on sale on my website, on Amazon and in independent bookstores across Quebec.
I also knew I could sell it directly during my season as captain on whale-watching cruises. During the summer of 2025, at sea or after my outing, I would offer customers the chance to keep a written souvenir, especially when we'd had a great encounter with marine mammals. I posted my book on the window of my boat, along with my website and these three words: Autobiography of Julien Marchal. People had the choice of buying it on the spot, in the store above reception. Sometimes customers would tip me, but I'd suggest they buy my autobiography instead, because it was a nice gift. I didn't sell many copies and, to be honest, at first I had no idea how many I was going to sell. In my mind, distributing a few was already a lot. In the end, I sold around 25 copies. Sometimes I had time between cruises to sign the book, but sometimes I didn't, because I didn't have enough time. Especially as customers had to return their sailing clothes first, and then go up to the boutique. This could take a long time, as there were people on every floor.
Here are a few comments:
From my former principal in Montpellier, France:
" Salut Julien, Yes, of course I've read your book, and hats off to you, because writing a book retracing your life and passions is a monumental task. Congratulations, because when we read your book, it's not just one life you've had, but a thousand. What a rich life you've had. Your family, your friends, Corsica, your travels, your encounters (very many) and above all your passion for marine mammals in the four corners of the oceans... what a joy to have lived it all. I was forgetting about your determination to succeed, which I sensed when you were training in Montpellier. You must make a lot of people jealous who haven't had the "chance" or the will to have a life like yours. In any case, that's my case. Well done again. Julien, you're a great guy. What more can I say? You're happy with your little family, you've made your dreams come true, even if you've still got a few left in the tank. Keep dreaming and moving forward for yourself, but especially for your little mermaid Saïna. Best regards.
Comment from a customer on my boat:
" Hello Julien, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for all your testimonies with our brothers and sisters in the animal world. You were my captain on September 28 (a Sunday for the 11:00 or 11:30 a.m. excursion). I bought your book and have just finished reading it. All the time I was reading it, I kept getting this message in my head: I have to tell him that we come from the same planet. I saw how much you love animals, and it was the same intensity I have for them that I recognized in you.
It's been 2 weeks since I returned home and my heart is still in the Saguenay estuary and off Bergeronnes with all these wonderful living beings. I thank the Universe, the Creator or the Big Boss, as it's appropriate for everyone to call him, for putting on my path inspiring beings filled with love for their fellow man (fellow man here means: beings incarnated in a body other than human). I've recognized the same love for animals, it's good to recognize each other and it gives a boost to our mission of life on earth, thank you for that Julien.. Go where your heart delights you, for my part, it's when I come into contact with animals and music that my heart delights, as it does for you with animals... take care of yourself....".
It's been 2 weeks since I returned home and my heart is still in the Saguenay estuary and off Bergeronnes with all these wonderful living beings. I thank the Universe, the Creator or the Big Boss, as it's appropriate for everyone to call him, for putting on my path inspiring beings filled with love for their fellow man (fellow man here means: beings incarnated in a body other than human). I've recognized the same love for animals, it's good to recognize each other and it gives a boost to our mission of life on earth, thank you for that Julien.. Go where your heart delights you, for my part, it's when I come into contact with animals and music that my heart delights, as it does for you with animals... take care of yourself....".
Another one:
"Hello Julien! We really enjoyed the 2 excursions with you and what's more I boughté your book which I've just finished and I wanted to say a big BRAVO to you for your fine work, as well as for all the ground you've covered and also thank you for being so considerate of our animal friends. Thanks again and congratulations!
A childhood friend:
"I'm sorry, it's true that we've never really talked about it... But I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. Your book tells your childhood and your story so well, it's strong, sincere and deeply touching. What your sister went through with the neighbor is terrible... I can only imagine how mad and upset you must have been when you found out. And then there's the part about Calvi, which is so moving. We can feel how hard it was for you. It really touched me, I didn't think it had affected you that much. It's so much like what you are: a real enthusiast. You talk about every subject with incredible commitment, which is clearly your trademark. And of course, your favorite subject, the sea... We can feel how essential it is for you, you talk about it from the heart. I'm really proud to be your friend, and especially proud of everything you've achieved.
My second corrector:
"A very interesting slice of life that shows that everyone can achieve their dreams if they cultivate them and know how to make them grow.
The mother of a missing friend:
"Yes, I read the chapter on Mauritius and Delphine. I confess I burst into tears. I'll tell you about it in another message. I'm reading your book with great interest, your courage and tenacity are remarkable. Here I am in tears again. I'll write more soon. The rest: "Wonderful, all these moments to live with your passion! I've finished reading your book and once again I say Bravo! You and Delphine have some of the same DNA 😊. Delphine also went to the Adriatic Sea with an Italian researcher at the Tethys Institute, it was with Europe Conservation in 1995 at the height of the Croatian war. We were worried because she went on her own and we had no contact with the association. In Portugal, she was with Stefan Harzen. Several stays in Moorea, where I went to join her after my husband died. I did my first dive in Rangiroa and saw the whales up close in Rurutu. Is your summer season coming to an end?
I'd like to thank everyone for their wonderful comments. This web page will be enriched by the messages received for a long time to come.
I'm proud to have written it and to have been able to contact so many people to help me with it. It was difficult because people move, change their names, don't reply or die.
From now on, as you read it, you'll know more about me and why I moved to Canada. I'm sharing my story because I've always believed in myself and been able to define a goal in my life. If you believe strongly in your chances, you can achieve them.
I want you to know that it's so hard to make it through the winter in Canada, far from the sea, in a job that I don't like. Living from what you love is a daily challenge.
I also know that my health will deteriorate physically over the years, and that I won't be able to be on the water anymore. In the meantime, I'm planning to write a second book with photos and anecdotes.
To be continued.
Sincerely.
Terrebonne, Quebec/Canada, January 2026
Julien Marchal
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