Renowned Canadian author Michael Ondaatje has been named as one of the top five contenders for the prestigious 2025 Al & Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize, which comes with a $10,000 award. This year marks the prize’s second edition, recognizing outstanding new poetry collections by Canadian poets with a track record of at least five published poetry books.
Ondaatje’s nomination is for his latest work, “A Year of Last Things,” which marks his highly anticipated return to poetry. The collection delves into Ondaatje’s personal experiences, weaving together a tapestry of memories and reflections that traverse various borders with a blend of wit, emotion, and wisdom.
A literary luminary in Canada, Ondaatje has garnered international acclaim for his novels and poetry. Notably, he was the first Canadian to clinch the prestigious Booker Prize in 1992 for his wartime narrative, “The English Patient.” Born in Sri Lanka and educated in England, Ondaatje made Canada his home at the age of 18 to pursue higher education.
Commencing his literary journey as a poet in 1967, Ondaatje clinched two Governor General’s Literary Awards for poetry before venturing into fiction writing. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been honored with accolades such as the Giller Prize and France’s renowned Prix Medicis.
The other finalists vying for the prize include Brian Bartlett for “The Astonishing Room,” Tim Bowling for “In the Capital City of Autumn,” A.F. Moritz for “Great Silent Ballad,” and Harold Rhenisch for “The Salmon Shanties.”
The expert panel of judges comprising writers Laisha Rosnau, Sam Solecki, and Sid Marty, who was the previous year’s winner, meticulously selected the shortlisted candidates.
Established in tribute to the esteemed poet Al Purdy, the winner of the prize will be unveiled on April 21, 2025, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Purdy’s passing. Purdy, an iconic figure in Canadian poetry, authored over 30 poetry collections, a novel, two memoirs, and four epistolary works during his prolific 50-year career. Recognized as Canada’s unofficial poet laureate, he secured two Governor General’s Literary Awards for poetry for “The Cariboo Horses” and “The Collected Poems of Al Purdy.”
His contributions were further acknowledged with the Order of Canada in 1982 and the League of Canadian Poets’ Voice of the Land Award, celebrating his indelible impact on Canadian poetry.
