Gil Adamson, Zsuzsi Gartner, and Thomas King listed alongside debut authors on WT Fiction Prize shortlist

Two debut books have been listed alongside three by seasoned Canadian scribes for the 24th Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. Maria Reva’s debut short-story collection Good Citizens Need Not Fear and Michelle Good’s debut novel Five Little Indians were both finalists for the $50,000 prize.

The remaining finalists consisted of established authors Gil Adamson, Zsuzsi Gartner, and Thomas King. Each finalist will receive $5,000. Adamson is also shortlisted for the Giller, announced Oct. 5.

The finalists were chosen from 123 entries by a jury comprising writers Elisabeth de Mariaffi, Waubgeshig Rice, and Yasuko Thanh. The winner will be announced on Nov. 18 at a digital event, which will stream on The Writers’ Trust of Canada’s website.

Rogers will no longer sponsor the Fiction Prize as of this year. “We are very grateful to Rogers Communications for the many years they’ve supported the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize,” the Writers’ Trust said in a statement. “After more than two decades – and $1 million dollars to Canadian writers! – they decided that 2019 would be their final year sponsoring the award.”

Finalists were selected by a jury composed of writers Elisabeth di Mariaffi, Waubgeshig Rice, and Yasuko Thanh. In total, 123 titles were submitted by 61 publishers. Each finalist receives $5,000.

The finalists are listed below.