Giller Prize-winning author visits local bookstore

A local Giller Prize-winner was at Munro’s Books Friday signing novels for an enthusiastic line of fans.

Colwood writer Esi Edugyan, took a break from her recently hectic schedule travelling the globe for award ceremonies, to sit down in one of her local haunts to chat with readers.

Fans of all ages (including this cutie who is “Three!”) come out to @MunrosBooks where @GillerPrize winning #EsiEdugyan is signing books today. #washingtonblack #halfbloodblues @VictoriaNews pic.twitter.com/QaOaTFRrN4

— Keri Coles (@KeriColesPhotog) December 7, 2018

RELATED: Colwood author named in New York Times 10 Best Books of 2018

Munro’s hosted the September book launch for Washington Black, Edugyan’s third and latest novel, which won the $100,000 Scotiabank Giller Prize and was chosen as one of the New York Times 10 Best Books of 2018.

“Esi was on a big American tour earlier in the fall and then in the UK for the Man Booker,” said Jessica Walker, Munro’s managing partner, “so it was great to have her here signing books today.”

There was a really nice response from the public, said Walker, with Edugyan’s family friends and previous UVic professor stopping by for a visit.

RELATED: Colwood’s Esi Edugyan wins $100K Giller prize for Washington Black

Washington Black is the story of an 11-year-old slave on a Barbados plantation whose unlikely friendship with his master’s brother explores the themes of friendship, love, betrayal and redemption from the Caribbean to the Arctic.

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and winner of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Washington Black follows Edugyan’s 2011 award-winning Half-Blood Blues, also a winner of the Scotiabank Giller Prize (2011) and her 2004 debut, The Second Life of Samuel Tyne.

Some signed copies are still available at Munro’s Books.