The 2025 Giller Prize has announced its five finalists, shining a spotlight on exceptional Canadian fiction. The prestigious award, valued at $100,000, honors outstanding literary talent in Canada.
2025 Giller Prize Finalists
- Mona Awad – We Love You, Bunny
- Eddy Boudel Tan – The Tiger and the Cosmonaut
- Emma Donoghue – The Paris Express
- Emma Knight – The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus
- Souvankham Thammavongsa – Pick A Colour
Mona Awad: We Love You, Bunny
Mona Awad’s We Love You, Bunny serves as both a sequel and prequel to her bestselling novel Bunny. The story revisits a New England MFA program as protagonist Sam faces her past when kidnapped by former classmates. The narrative explores themes of identity and belonging.
Eddy Boudel Tan: The Tiger and the Cosmonaut
The Tiger and the Cosmonaut by Eddy Boudel Tan delves into the complexities of family and loss. Set in a small British Columbia town, the protagonist, Casper, confronts a family tragedy involving his twin brother, Sam, whose disappearance has haunted them for over two decades.
Emma Donoghue: The Paris Express
Emma Donoghue’s The Paris Express transports readers on a train journey filled with suspense and human drama. Inspired by a true incident, it showcases various characters’ experiences during a calamitous day, emphasizing their reactions in the face of disaster.
Emma Knight: The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus
In The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus, Emma Knight explores a young woman’s journey through her university experience in Edinburgh. Pen seeks to understand her parents’ troubled marriage, while also unraveling family secrets during her time with a celebrated author.
Souvankham Thammavongsa: Pick A Colour
Souvankham Thammavongsa’s Pick A Colour focuses on Ning, a retired boxer working at a nail salon. Contrary to stereotypes of salon workers, Ning’s character offers insights into their lives, showcasing resilience and intelligence beneath her occupation.
Giller Prize Ceremony Details
The Giller Prize award ceremony will take place on November 17, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET, hosted by comedian Rick Mercer. The event will be broadcast on CBC TV, CBC Gem, and CBC Radio One, with livestreaming available on CBC’s YouTube channel.
Background on the Giller Prize
Founded in 1994 by Jack Rabinovitch to honor his late wife, literary journalist Doris Giller, the Giller Prize has evolved into one of Canada’s most prestigious literary awards. In recent years, the prize has undergone various sponsorship discussions, exemplifying its relevance and influence in contemporary literature.
