Two Quebec Novels Finalists for the Five Continents Prize
Two Canadian Novels Among Finalists for Prestigious International Literary Prize
Montreal, Quebec – Two Canadian novels have been shortlisted for the prestigious Prix des cinq continents de la Francophonie, a major international literary award recognizing excellence in French-language fiction.
Mélanie Verreault’s La nébuleuse de la Tarentule (XYZ) and Audrée Wilhelmy’s Peau-de-Sang (Leméac) are among the ten finalists selected from a pool of 129 submissions. The list also includes Le violon d’Adrien by Gary Victor (Mémoire d’encrier).The Prix des cinq continents de la Francophonie, established in 2001 by the Organisation internationale de la francophonie (OIF), celebrates outstanding works of fiction written in French. The winner, who will be announced on March 20th, International Francophonie day, will receive a €15,000 prize (approximately $22,000 CAD).
Last year’s winner was Éric Chacour for his novel ce que je sais de toi.
This is a tremendous honour for Canadian literature,” says Dr. Marie Dubois, a professor of French literature at the University of Montreal and renowned expert on Francophone literature. “Having two Canadian novels among the finalists for such a prestigious international prize underscores the richness and diversity of our literary scene. Verreault and Wilhelmy are both incredibly talented writers who have captured the imaginations of readers with their captivating stories and powerful prose.”
Dr. Dubois praises Verreault’s “La nébuleuse de la Tarentule” for its “lyrical language and complex exploration of human relationships” while highlighting Wilhelmy’s “Peau-de-Sang” for its “gripping suspense and unflinching portrayal of social injustices.” She adds, “their selection for the shortlist shines a light on the dynamism and talent within contemporary Canadian literature, proving that our stories resonate far beyond our borders.