Meet David Chariandy
David Chariandy has pulled off an impressive trick with his novel Soucouyant. The little-known Vancouver author’s debut novel, published by Arsenal Pulp Press, was both longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and shortlisted for the Governor General’s fiction prize this fall. The Tyee’s book page has a closer look at Chariandy, who is one of three co-founders – along with Wayde Compton and Karina Vernon – of Commodore Books, described as “the first and only black-owned press in Western Canada.” On his award attention, the author tells the Tyee:
As I’ve explained elsewhere, I did work very hard on my novel for several years, and whatever one may think of the final form, it didn’t emerge accidentally. Nevertheless, I assumed, for several reasons, that few readers would be willing to open my book or else take me seriously, and I honestly was OK with that. Now, of course, I’ve received much more attention than I ever anticipated, and I’d be lying if I pretended that it wasn’t very encouraging. More than anything else, I want to continue working as a writer.
I could only read this wonderful story in small amounts because my mom has dementia. It was a startling reminder of what I went through with my mom. But as I read further into the book I noticed I wanted to finish it. Why? It was a beautiful story and I felt better when it was over. Thanks for your book and look forward to your next.
One week ago, I had never heard of David Chariandy and Soucouyant, A novel of Forgetting. I could not put this book down. Why? The patois, the ring-true cadence of Adele’s language, the descriptions of life both in Scarborough and lands afar grabbed my attention and interest like the fingers on Adele’s arm by the book’s end.
Through the son’s oftentimes harsh eyes, I came to love and admire Adele for her strength to live through the early onset of such a life and family-wrecking disease.
I find myself clambering for your next book. David, you are yet another example of why I love reading Canadian authors. Keep writing!