Tawhida Tanya Evanson (Temmuz Arsiray)

Montreal writer Tawhida Tanya Evanson has been named the winner of the Blue Metropolis/Conseil des arts de Montréal New Contribution Literary Prize.

The New Contribution Literary Prize, awarded annually, includes a $5,000 award and aims to draw attention to new voices from the immigrant community and is awarded to a first- or second-generation immigrant living in Montreal who has published no more than three books. Evanson was one of three finalists for this year’s award for her novel Book of Wings (Esplanade Books/Véhicule Press). The book traces the protagonist Maya as she travels from Vancouver around the world in search of herself after a breakup. It is being translated into French.

Evanson will be presented with her award at the Blue Metropolis showcase in Montreal on November 24.