The Irresistible Library Club of Montreal has awarded its annual prize to two novels that tied for a virtual vote: Betty, by American Tiffany McDaniel, and Kukum, by Michael Jean.
Posted at 12:00 p.m.
The instigator of the Club des Irrésistibles, Marie-Anne Poggi, underlined that the fight was tight “until the last minute” and that the choice was “heartbreaking for the majority of the 136 members of the jury”.
Mme Poggi clarified that the two winners of this 14and edition come together by addressing common themes, including family, uprooting, survival and religious beliefs. “Two fabulous novels that help us better understand the reality experienced by certain African-American and Innu communities,” she added.
Two titles also tied for second place, namely The children’s trainby Viola Ardone, and Nickel Boysby Colson Whitehead.
It’s the novel Threeby Valérie Perrin, who finished third, the French writer having won the Club des Irrésistibles prize last year for Change flower water. He was followed by Lost train, by Quebecer Jocelyne Saucier.
The Club des Irrésistibles is an online book club created 14 years ago by Marie-Anne Poggi, with the support of the Libraries of Montreal.