The shortlist for the Man Booker International Prize 2011 was announced in Sydney, Australia, this morning.

Rohinton Mistry, author of A Fine Balance and a three-time Booker nominee, is the only Canadian represented on the shortlist. The £60,000 prize (apx. $93,600 Cdn.) is awarded to an author once every two years, recognizing an overall contribution to English-language fiction. In 2009, Alice Munro received the prestigious honour.

Shortly after the announcement was made, agents for John le Carré released this statement on behalf of the U.K. nominee: I am enormously flattered to be named as a finalist of 2011 Man Booker International Prize. However I do not compete for literary prizes and have therefore asked for my name to be withdrawn.

Rick Gekoski, chair of this year’s judges, responded: John le Carré’s name will, of course, remain on the list. We are disappointed that he wants to withdraw from further consideration because we are great admirers of his work.

Joining Gekoski as 2011 judges are publishing vet Carmen Callil and author Justin Cartright.

The winner will be revealed at the Sydney Writers’ Festival on May 18, followed by an awards ceremony in London on June 28. The 13 authors on the list are:

• Wang Anyi (China)
• Juan Goytisolo (Spain)
• James Kelman (U.K.)
• John le Carré (U.K.)
• Amin Maalouf (Lebanon)
• David Malouf (Australia)
• Dacia Maraini (Italy)
• Rohinton Mistry (India/Canada)
• Philip Pullman (U.K.)
• Marilynne Robinson (U.S.)
• Philip Roth (U.S.)
• Su Tong (China)
• Anne Tyler (U.S.)