Caroline Skelton of the North Shore News has awarded unofficial prizes to all of the nominees in the BC Book Prize fiction category. She writes, “Reading through the five books on the shortlist, it struck me as unfair that one should go home with all the proverbial marbles. What about the many charms and peccadillos of the other four? Not one little ode for all those finely realized characters, lushly painted scenes and hold-onto-your-socks-lest-you-get-blown-away metaphors? What follows are my humble suggestions for new award categories to precede this year’s fiction prize.”
And this year’s “Bad Sex Award” goes to ….
Adam’s Peak by Heather Burt!
Judge’s remarks: “Heather Burt’s sweeping novel is chock full of unfulfilling encounters — from impersonal sex with tourists to ill-fated liaisons with vibrators. The story follows the linked lives of Montreal neighbours Clare and Rudy, in the years following one meaningful childhood encounter, and the events that bring them together again. But it’s also the story of discovery and exploration — which might explain all that fumbling.”
For the rest of the Skelton Awards, check out the full article.