Five writers, Tara Gereaux, Michelle Good, Nicholas Herring, Nazanine Hozar, and Patmeena Sabit, have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Giller Prize, a $100,000 award recognizing excellence in Canadian fiction. The 2026 shortlist showcases a diverse range of novels, including historical fiction set in 1940s Saskatchewan (Gereaux’s “Wild People Quiet”), a contemporary tale of a road trip from New Brunswick to Toronto (Herring’s “Your Breath in Charcoal”), and a gripping narrative about child soldiers in the Iran-Iraq war (Hozar’s “The Small Ones”).
Good, nominated for “Eliza Sunshine,” is the sole author with previous Giller Prize recognition, having been longlisted in 2020 and winning Canada Reads in 2022 with her debut novel, “Five Little Indians.” In contrast, Sabit is a first-time finalist with her debut work of fiction, “Good People.”
The shortlist was selected by a jury comprising independent booksellers from various regions across Canada. The winner will be revealed at the Giller Prize award ceremony in Toronto on Nov. 16, hosted by comedian Rick Mercer and broadcast live on CBC TV, CBC Gem, and CBC’s YouTube channel.
Following recent controversies regarding funding, the Giller Prize severed ties with former sponsor Scotiabank in 2025 and is now supported by a generous $4 million donation from the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation. Last year’s winner was Souvankham Thammavongsa for “Pick a Colour.”
The Giller finalists will participate in live events in Calgary, Ottawa, Halifax, and Toronto as part of the “Between the Pages” series. The shortlisted books are available in accessible formats through the National Network for Equitable Library Services and the Centre for Equitable Library Access.
Each shortlisted novel offers a unique narrative and perspective, reflecting the richness and diversity of Canadian literary talent. From exploring hidden identities to family sagas and wartime struggles, these works promise to captivate readers with their depth and creativity.
