Tanya Talaga and André Alexis among longlisted authors for 2025 Toronto Book Award
Tanya Talaga and André Alexis have both been recognized on the longlist for the prestigious 2025 Toronto Book Award. This award, established by Toronto City Council in 1974, celebrates books that draw inspiration from the vibrant city of Toronto. This year, the prize money has been doubled, with the winner receiving $20,000 and the shortlisted authors each receiving $2,000.
Tanya Talaga’s book, “The Knowing,” has earned her a spot on the longlist. This powerful work delves into the life of her great-great grandmother, Annie, and the harrowing experiences of violence that she and her family endured at the hands of the Catholic Church and the Canadian government. Talaga shared her motivation for writing this book on “Bookends with Mattea Roach,” expressing her desire to uncover the mysteries surrounding Annie and to empower other First Nations individuals to explore their own family histories. “The Knowing” has also been adapted into a four-part documentary that can be streamed on CBC Gem. Talaga, a journalist, author, and filmmaker of Anishinaabe and Polish descent, is also known for her award-winning book “Seven Fallen Feathers,” which sheds light on the tragic deaths of Indigenous students in Thunder Bay.
On the other hand, André Alexis has been longlisted for his short story collection titled “Other Worlds.” Spanning various settings from 19th-century Trinidad and Tobago to modern-day Toronto, this collection explores moments of profound puzzlement experienced by its diverse cast of characters. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Alexis has garnered critical acclaim for his previous works, including the award-winning novel “Fifteen Dogs.” His literary talent has been recognized with accolades such as the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
The longlist for the 2025 Toronto Book Award also includes works by other talented authors such as Maggie Helwig, Chika Stacey Oriuwa, Farah Ghafoor, Vinh Nguyen, Georgia Toews, Chantal Braganza, Roza Nozari, Hollay Ghadery, and Su Chang. The jury tasked with selecting the winner consists of Sam Hiyate, Sophie Jai, Wanda Nanibush, Don Oravec, and David Silverberg. The shortlist will be revealed later this summer, with the ultimate winner being announced at a ceremony in Toronto on October 15.
As the literary community eagerly anticipates the outcome of the Toronto Book Award, readers can explore the works of these talented authors and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of stories that celebrate the spirit of Toronto.
