Media Release - For Immediate Release

October 5 2010

MacLeod Shortlisted for Giller Prize

Saint Mary's University English Professor Dr. Alexander MacLeod has been shortlisted as one of five finalists for the 2010 Giller Prize, the country’s most prestigious literary award.

He is nominated for his collection of short stories, entitled Light Lifting (Biblioasis). The stories are set in-and-around Windsor, Ontario. He says the seven stories were written over the past 13 years in the stolen moments between earning a PhD, teaching and raising a family.

The five finalists were selected by a panel made up of Canadian broadcaster and journalist Michael Enright, American writer and professor Claire Messud and award-winning UK author Ali Smith. The shortlist was chosen from 98 books submitted for consideration by 38 publishing houses from every region of the country.

University President Dr. J Colin Dodds offered his immediate congratulations on the accomplishment and said the entire University community is rooting for him.

MacLeod, 38, is the son of acclaimed writer Alistair MacLeod.

The winner of this year’s Scotiabank Giller Prize will be announced on November 9th at Toronto’s Four Seasons Hotel at a gala black tie dinner and award ceremony.

The 2010 Scotiabank Giller Prize finalists are:

• David Bergen for his novel THE MATTER WITH MORRIS, Phyllis Bruce Books/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
• Alexander MacLeod for his short story collection LIGHT LIFTING, Biblioasis
• Sarah Selecky for her short story collection THIS CAKE IS FOR THE PARTY, Thomas Allen Publishers
• Johanna Skibsrud for her novel THE SENTIMENTALISTS, Gaspereau Press
• Kathleen Winter for her novel ANNABEL, House of Anansi Press

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For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca

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