No other Canadian book award gets the spotlight like the Giller Prize; it is viewed by many as the Canadian book award. It always has a well-rounded, well-regarded jury, but it also offers the largest cash prize of any Canadian book award, and that’s probably why: 50, 000 dollars to the winner, 5,000 to the other four finalists, and, according to The Giller’s website, the prize unquestionably boosts sales.

“Over $60 million dollars in book sales to date have been generated as a direct result of the prize.”

Money aside, it’s about recognition. You get nominated for this award and you’re set, established, vindicated beyond imagination.

About  the book: A deeply wise and moving novel that explores the guilty minds and spiritual evasions of Catholic priests. Father Duncan MacAskill has spent most of his priesthood as the “Exorcist” — an enforcer employed by his bishop to discipline wayward priests and suppress potential scandal. He knows all the devious ways that lonely priests persuade themselves that their needs trump their vows, but he’s about to be sorely tested himself. While sequestered by his bishop in a small rural parish to avoid an impending public controversy, Duncan must confront the consequences of past cover-ups and the suppression of his own human needs. Pushed to the breaking point by loneliness, tragedy and sudden self-knowledge, Duncan discovers how hidden obsessions and guilty secrets either find their way to the light of understanding, or poison any chance we have for love and spiritual peace.