Congratulations to Nicolas Dickner, Lazer Lederhendler, and Michel Vézina for Nikolski‘s victory. I was rooting for Nikolski all along, but never did I actually believe that it would win. I almost don’t know what to say, except that I think it was the most deserving title. It was beautifully translated, complex and inventive without being inaccessible, and full of life and fun even in its darker moments. Its truly a remarkable book, and I hope to read more of Dickner’s work—and more French Canadian work, if this is in any way indicative of what’s going on in that particular solitude—in the future.
I took the time to drop by the CBC chat again today, and found it smoother going. Perhaps yesterday was simply an off day. The discussion was not a bad one, in some ways better than what was going on in the official panel. If that’s the sort of thing that interests you, you can read the full transcript online.
This is the first year that I’ve participated in Canada Reads, either reading the books or following the full broadcast. I had a great time with it, and if I’m able I’d like to do it again next year. It’s going to be strange not discussing the same books with half the Internet all at once. I’m sure I’ll find something to keep myself occupied.
