Anne Michaels wins Giller Prize

Anne Michaels won the Giller Prize for her novel Helda multigenerational study of war and trauma.

The Giller jury described the novel as a powerful and hypnotic exploration of mortality, resilience and desire.

Anne Michaels called for “unity” among “all the arts” during her speech at the Toronto ceremony, which took place in the shadow of anti-war protests organized by other members of the literary community.

Outside the luxury Park Hyatt hotel, protesters renewed demands for the Giller Foundation to cut ties with several corporate sponsors, including Scotiabank over its stake in Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems.

Inside, the gala proceeded without any interruption after last year’s ceremony was besieged by pro-Palestinian protesters. Attendees included former Toronto Mayor John Tory, Indigo founder Heather Reisman and soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee.

Held moves through time following a photographer turned soldier of the First World War, his descendants, their wives and their parents.