Since 1965, the Grand Prix du livre de Montréal has rewarded the originality and quality of literary works by authors with a special link to the city. This award aims to promote creativity and highlight the richness of Montreal's editorial scene. In addition to literary recognition, the winner will receive a $15,000 scholarship, while the other four finalists will each receive $1,000.
The jury reflects the diversity of sectors of the book industry as well as literary and intellectual trends in Montreal. For the third consecutive year, the poet and novelist Carole David assumes the presidency. She is surrounded by Daniel Grenier, Marie-Pascale Huglo, Josianne Létourneau, Luba Markovskaia and Akos Verboczy.
Together, they selected works that stand out for their thematic richness, their narrative inventiveness and their contribution to the literary diversity of Montreal.
finalists
Mood swings, Frankie Barnet (Editions McClelland & Stewart)
This novel is an incredible dystopia full of tasty dialogues. It ironically explores contemporary issues like ecoanxiety, cancel culture and loneliness due to social media. With a powerful look at our times, it offers a satirical and daring fresco of the Anglo-Montreal youth of Mile End.
— Jury
Wollstonecraft, Sarah Berthiaume (Les Éditions de Ta Mère)
In this contemporary and offbeat version of Frankenstein, the author skillfully mixes gothic imagination, recycling and artificial intelligence. The dialogues, alternating with the epistolary style of Mary Shelley, update the timeless theme of the limits of human creation. This transposition offers a rich and captivating narrative experience.
— Jury
Novel without anything, Antoine Charbonneau-Demers (VLB Editor)
Part diary and part novel, this work skillfully plays on the gap between the two in a wry and hypersensitive portrait of gay sexuality, selfishness, jealousy and family. A true mirror of our contemporary society, violence is the common thread that marks the entire universe of this story imbued with great vulnerability.
— Jury
The account is good, Louis-Daniel Godin (Editions La Peuplade)
With this first work, the author renews the childhood story by navigating through the memories of his narrator and creating a memory mosaic marked by obsession.
Through evocative descriptions of the Montreal suburbs of the 1990s, this novel questions debt and inheritance in invigorating and rhythmic language.
— Jury
Self-portrait of another, Élise Turcotte (Éditions Alto)
With great freedom of writing, the author revives the memory of a woman whose life must not be forgotten, through an unresolved investigation. The intimate and family story intersects with the cultural and intellectual history of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. It is an exploration of the self skillfully turned towards the other, in fluid and captivating writing.
— Jury
The finalists will be in the spotlight at the Montreal Book Fair. On Sunday, December 1, 4 p.m., a round table moderated by Sarrah Osama will bring together the authors of the five books in competition. An ideal opportunity to discover these literary voices and dive into their respective worlds.
Find the list of French and French-speaking literary prizes
Image Credits: City of Montreal
Par Sara Verrecchia
Contact : [email protected]
