The Toronto Book Fair (SLT) has selected the 2024 finalists for its Alain Thomas Literature Prize from 14 applications. These are Beyond the Borders by Jean Mohsen Fahmy (Roman, David), The Odor of Oblivion by Roger Levac (Roman, David) and Jaz by Michèle Vinet (Roman, L'Interligne).
Beyond Borders is a love story set against the backdrop of war. An initially unlikely love between two young people of different origins, a French Canadian and an Italian. Will love ultimately overcome even war and fear of others and survive?
The Smell of Forgetting takes the reader into the heart of an increasingly growing phenomenon in today's population and into the trials and tribulations of the brain. It's called dementia, Alzheimer's or forgetfulness. A poignant story that explores the unsaid and gets to the heart of terrible family secrets.
Jaz depicts the unlikely love between a painter experiencing heartbreak and haunted by his recently deceased wife. He dedicates himself wholeheartedly to his art to eradicate the unhappiness that grows within him. The daughter of the innkeeper where he exhibits his works turns his life upside down. Michèle Vinet keeps the reader in suspense until the end of the story.
The Alain Thomas Prize rewards literary excellence in French Ontario and includes a $2,000 scholarship, awarded jointly by the Association of Authors of French Ontario §ais and the Toronto Book Fair.
More information: salondulivredetoronto.com.