The Governor General’s Literary Awards – AKA “The GGs” - are administered and promoted by The Canada Council for the Arts. Each year they bestow, in French and English, awards in the categories of Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Children’s Literature (text), Children’s Literature (illustration) and Translation (both ways). Each award grants the winner a wad of national attention, 25,000 thousand dollars, and a ”specially-bound copy of the winning book.” Moreover, the publisher of each winning book receives $3,000 to support promotional activities. The other finalists receive $1,000 … so if you do the math, this is close to 450,000 thousand dollars worth of literary recognition.
Michael Crummey Shortlisted for English Language Fiction
Official GG adjudication: Michael Crummey’s Galore is a gorgeous and mysterious whale of a book – part multi-generational love story, part riff on the Bible, and part tall tale. Spanning several generations in a remote Newfoundland outport, this story is bursting with fantastical events, colourful characters and delicious dialogue. An unforgettable journey.
Janet Russell and Jirina Marton’s Bella’s Tree win for Children’s Literature – Illustration
Official GG adjudication: “As with text, illustrations should compel the reader to turn the page to see what happens next. Jirina Marton’s illustrations flow; they bring the reader along and add a warm mood to a cold winter’s day. A spirit captured within the pages of this book is set free by the reading.”
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Thanks, Gerard, on both accounts. Sincerely.
Just wanted to say, Chad, I’m really enjoying your website–not only informative and entertaining, but a nice format. Congrats also on your well-deserved Cuffer win. Great story with a lot of heart, which is how I like ‘em.