Anne Michaels was awarded the degree of Doctor of Literature, honoris causa, at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on Friday, June 8, “in recognition of outstanding contribution to the arts and Canadian culture.”
Poet and novelist Anne Michaels’ books have been published in more than 40 languages. Her first novel, Fugitive Pieces, was an international bestseller and was honoured with awards in many countries, including the Orange prize and the Guardian Fiction award in the UK. the Lannan Fiction Award in the US, the Acerbi Prize in Italy, the Trillum and the Chapters/Books in Canada First Novel Award. Fugitive Pieces was made into a major motion picture which was released internationally. Her novel, The Winter Vault, was shortlisted for the Giller Prize and longlisted for the IMPAC Award. Her poetry has been translated and published internationally and has also won awards.
Anne Michaels has taught creative writing for many years and she is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto, Graduate Studies in English. She has been affiliated with the master’s program in creative writing since its inception. Forthcoming work includes a book of poetry and a book for young readers. She is also working on a new novel and other works for film and theatre.