It was founded out of love for Canadian literature and in honour of a woman who adored books. Now, in its 24th year, the gathered writers, publishers, executives and politicians at the gala Scotiabank Giller Prize erupted in joy as Torontonian Michael Redhill was announced as the winner of the $100,000 award on Monday night — the richest book prize in the nation. Torontonian Michael Redhill’s book Bellevue Square (Doubleday Canada) was cited by the jury for its “complex literary wonders,” saying that it is “warm, and funny, and smart. Let’s celebrate that it is, simply, a pleasure to read.” Redhill was shortlisted for the Giller in 2001 for his novel Martin Sloane.The gala was broadcast live on the CBC, and hosted by veteran funny woman Mary Walsh, with beloved soprano Measha Brueggergosman performing. Each of the five finalists and their books was presented by a celebrity author, including John Irving, Madeleine Thien and Rupi Kaur. The other four authors on the short list this year are: Rachel Cusk for Transit; Ed O’Loughlin for Minds of Winter, Eden Robinson for Son of a Trickster and Michelle Winters for I Am a Truck. Each of these runners up will be presented with $10,000.While the authors took centre stage, the crowd gathered in the grand ballroom at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto was also there to pay homage to prize founder Jack Rabinovitch, the businessman and philanthropist who died in August at the age of 87. Borne out of a desire to honour the memory of his wife, Doris Giller, who was once the books editor at the Toronto Star, after her untimely death from cancer in 1993, the first Giller Prize was awarded in 1994 to the writer M.G. Vassanji for his book . This year,grief and celebration met again as Elana Rabinovitch, Jack’s daughter, presented to and congratulated the winner, carrying on his legacy.There were a few other changes this year. The finalists went on their usual cross-Canada tour so that ...
|
