OTTAWA, May 27, 2009 - Alice Munro, one of Canada's best known writers, was awarded the 2009 Man Booker International Prize yesterday. This prize recognizes authors who have made outstanding contributions to fiction on the world stage.
Her awards and prizes are numerous, and include three Governor General's Literary Awards, two Giller Prizes, England's W. H. Smith Book Award and the U.S. National Book Critics Circle Award. Munro's short stories have appeared in publications in Canada and abroad, and her work has been translated into thirteen languages. Her mastery of the short story has captivated readers around the world, and all Canadians can take pride in seeing one of their own acknowledged in this way.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I wish to offer my warmest congratulations to Alice Munro for winning this prestigious prize, and I know that readers the world over join me in celebrating this remarkable achievement.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
