The prestigious Giller Fiction Prize for 2025 has announced Jamaican-Canadian Dionne Irving as chair of its book prize jury.

Irving is the author of the well-received 2022 collection of short stories The Islands.

“This year’s jury panel is composed of five distinguished, multi-talented authors who are well-equipped and eager to showcase the strength, scope, and diversity of Canadian literature,” read the announcement. Chairing the jury panel is acclaimed author and creative writing professor Dionne Irving.

Dionne Irving, a Jamaican-blooded Canadian author, has lived in several countries, including the United States. Her work often explores themes of identity, migration, family, and the complexities of the Caribbean diaspora. Her short story collection, The Islands, delves into the experiences of Jamaican women navigating the complexities of life in the diaspora. The stories are interwoven, portraying women in various stages of life and in different locales, grappling with cultural dislocation, familial ties, and the quest for belonging. The book examines how migration shapes identity and how the echoes of home persist even in faraway places.

She was herself a finalist for the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize.

Also named to the jury are: Jordan Abel, Loghan Paylor (Michael Paylor), Deepa Rajagopalan (Ema Suvajac), and Aaron Tucker.

The Scotiabank Giller Prize is Canada’s most prestigious literary award, established in 1994 to honour excellence in Canadian fiction. The prize awards $100,000 to the winner and CAN$10,000 to each finalist, recognising the best works of literature in English, including novels and short story collections. Each year, the jury selects a longlist, followed by a shortlist announcement showcasing diverse voices and exceptional storytelling. The award highlights both established and emerging writers, drawing national and international attention to Canadian literature.

The longlist will be announced in mid-September, followed by the shortlist in early October. The winner will be named during a nationally televised awards ceremony honouring the finalists in Toronto in November.