Anakana Schofield

Anakana Schofield is an accomplished Irish-Canadian novelist, celebrated for her unique storytelling and sharp wit. Born in England in 1971 to an Irish mother, she spent her formative years in London and Dublin before relocating to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1999. Her literary journey began with her debut novel, Malarky, which garnered significant acclaim, winning the Amazon.ca First Novel Award in two thousand twelve and the Debut-Litzer Prize for Fiction in two thousand thirteen. The novel was also a contender for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize.

Following the success of Malarky, Schofield published her second novel, Martin John, in two thousand fifteen. This work was recognized with multiple nominations, including the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize in two thousand fifteen and the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize in two thousand sixteen. It also received nods for the Goldsmiths Prize and the ReLit Award for fiction in subsequent years, solidifying her reputation as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

In two thousand nineteen, Schofield released her third novel, Bina: A Novel in Warnings, which revisits a character from her first book. This novel, published in Canada and the UK, was shortlisted for the Goldsmiths Prize in two thousand twenty. Critics praised Bina for its originality and dark humor, describing it as a black comedy about euthanasia, narrated by a septuagenarian grappling with the absurdities of life. The novel is set to be published in the United States in February two thousand twenty-one and won the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year in two thousand twenty-one.

In addition to her fiction writing, Schofield has made significant contributions as a literary critic, essayist, and broadcaster. Her work has appeared in esteemed publications such as the London Review of Books Blog, The Globe and Mail, CBC Radio, The Guardian, The Irish Times, and the Vancouver Sun, showcasing her versatility and depth as a writer.