Comments on: 2011 Giller Prize Winner

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:21:47 +0000

Liz: The G-G is older by some decades and certainly used to be the primary prize in Canada. It is government-supported — there are seven awards in both English and French ranging from fiction through poetry to drama and children’s work. My impression would be that the G-G’s have tended to be “writer-dominated” (although not always) and the winners are often more reflective of writing challenge than reader accessibility.

The Giller arrived about two decades ago when Jack Rabinovitch decided to recognize the literary efforts of his late wife, Doris Giller. Jack put up a bigger prize and, perhaps more important, underwrote an invitation-only, very fancy dinner in Toronto to announce the prize. The Giller had little trouble recruiting some attractive sponsors and partners and immediately moved to the first rank.

I pay attention to both. For me, the Giller is the primary prize — and it ends up selling more books. The G-G continues, for me, to be a more “writerly” prize — and there is nothing the matter with that.

By: Liz from Literary Masters

Liz from Literary Masters — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:11:45 +0000

Kevin, what is the difference between the Giller Prize and the General Governor’s Prize? I’ve seen each described as the “most prestigious” of Canadian literary awards…what’s your take on this? Thanks in advance!

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:39:16 +0000

Deborah: The three of us were all impressed in different ways with the book — I hope our opinions are of value to those who are considering it. We all agree that it is worth reading.

By: Deborah Serravalle

Deborah Serravalle — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:22:23 +0000

Both Kimbofo and Trevor offered excellent reviews of Half-Blood Blues. Thanks you!

And let me add my congrats to your milestone.

I also reviewed Half-Blood Blues on my site. Check it out if you’re interested. In this post, you’ll see I’ve recommended your site to my followers.

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:33:10 +0000

Thanks, Isabel. I know you visit regularly and do appreciate your comments.

By: Isabel

Isabel — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:48:21 +0000

Kevin, I don’t always leave comments, but I do check in often.

Here’s to the next 250,000 hits!

By: KevinfromCanada

KevinfromCanada — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:44:01 +0000

Shawna: I hope you have found some novels that are worthy of your attention as Western Canadian winter unfolds. Also, keep an eye out for Adam Gopnik’s Massey Lecture series — it may be even better when the season itself arrives.

By: kimbofo

kimbofo — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:30:29 +0000

Let me add my congrats to this!

PS>> Looking forward to your review of Ghost Light. Hope I haven’t “oversold” that book to you.

By: shawna

shawna — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:08:53 +0000

Congratulations Kevin, and all the shadow Giller team, on another year of interesting reviews! I’m always a few months behind the book times but I’m looking forward to reading many of the books on this year’s list!

By: Sheila O'Brien

Sheila O'Brien — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:27:25 +0000

KFC:
Congratulations on your blog milestone: passing 250,000 hits.
its fitting that it coincided with Giller prize day!