Esteemed author Téa Mutonji has earned her place as a finalist in CBC’s prestigious annual Canada Reads Competition. This unique event brings together five passionate panelists who advocate for and defend a book of their choice. Through a week-long series of debates, the panel progressively narrows down the titles until declaring the ultimate winner. Beyond being a literary contest, the competition serves as a platform to celebrate Canadian literature and stimulate discussions on social issues through storytelling.
CBC Canada Reads 2024 book contenders alongside their champions
Set to unfold from March 4 to 7, 2024, this year’s debates promise engaging deliberations, with Téa Mutonji’s novel, Shut Up You’re Pretty, taking the spotlight and being championed by Kudakwashe Rutendo.
Mutonji’s debut story collection, published by B.C.’s Arsenal Pulp Press, unfolds with disarming impact, traversing various narratives from a woman contemplating Congolese traditions at a family wedding to a teenage girl seeking solace in cigarettes. These stories skillfully blur the lines between longing and choice, exploring femininity, womanness, and identity in moments of questioning and imposition. Published under the imprint VS. Books, curated by writer-musician Vivek Shraya, this series amplifies the works of new and emerging Indigenous, black, or writers of colour.
Before the announcement of the finalists, CBC introduced a preliminary list highlighting 15 Canadian books vying for the prize. Notably, three authors either born or residing in British Columbia, were spotlighted on this extended list. The following titles were initially considered for the prize.
Junie by Chelene Knight
Exploring the intricate dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, this compelling narrative by Vancouver born Chelene Knight unfolds in Vancouver’s historic Hogan’s Alley in the 1930s. Junie, a perceptive child, and her jazz singer mother navigate the challenges of the thriving Black and immigrant community. As Junie matures, grappling with her artistic pursuits and emerging sexuality, her mother’s struggles with alcoholism parallel the neighbourhood’s transformation from a once-promising hub to a changed landscape. Through the lens of a bright woman in a disquieting world, the story is an intimate and urgent exploration, celebrating the resilience of Black lives within a shifting community.
Mamaskatch by Darrel J. McLeod
Sooke-based Darrel J. McLeod reflects on his upbringing in the small village of Smith, Alberta, surrounded by the rich history of his Cree family. Guided by his mother Bertha’s stories, he learns about their culture, family dynamics, and the hardships faced in residential school. The narrative, mirroring Bertha’s attempt to reckon with her trauma, paints a moving portrait of a family with strong personalities, deep connections, and a shared history that binds and haunts them.
The Winter Knight by Jes Battis
Vancouver born Jes Battis presents a captivating urban fairy tale and detective story featuring queer and trans heroes in The Winter’s Knight. In the heart of Vancouver, the discovery of a deceased knight prompts Hildie, a Valkyrie investigator, to take on the challenge of solving the case. Among her list of suspects is Wayne, an autistic college student and the reincarnation of Sir Gawain. After finding himself at the scene of the crime, Wayne becomes entangled in his medieval family history. Amid this, he navigates a developing relationship with Burt, the charming assistant to the dean and the prime suspect. Unraveling the truth requires Wayne and Hildie to confront formidable forces: fallen knights, shrewd runesmiths, the mysterious Wyrd Sisters of Gastown, and a voracious beast haunting Wayne’s dream.
Header image from the CBC, Canada Reads 2024 book contenders alongside their champions.
