Congrats. It was a great Giller broadcast this year. It felt... hopeful. Your win and your words were so fitting. Well done Sean.

Hello -- longtime readers of the blog here. First off, congrats -- amazing book, amazing writing. However, we (we're a group of artists who share a workspace) were extremely disappointed to hear you chose to thank Carl Wilson in your speech just after he was outed by Leah McLaren as groping her while she was an intern under his supervision. After weeks of you championing women's voices in the recent discussion around such issues, your decision to laud someone who is exactly the epitome of what we've all been talking about was incredibly disappointing. Yes, we are aware he has apologized and has made the excuse of going through an alcoholic period, but that does not change what happened. That there has been zero outcry over his actions is emblematic of all that is wrong with the insular CanLit community -- much as was outlined in the piece by Emma Healey, which you purported to support. Just because someone is a great critic and/or a friend (we're aware he's been a supporter of yours -- as anyone should, as you are clearly talented) doesn't mean one shouldn't stand up for what is right. Or, in this case, to combat the wrong that was done (you think that was the first time he engaged in such behaviour? Or the last? If you lived in Toronto you'd be aware of how often he's seen with very young women -- power dynamics, anyone?). As fans of your work, we'd love to hear an explanation for your decision to single him out in your speech, and/or some sort of thoughts as to how this squares with your recent calls to action around the issues of women and how they're treated. While we respect your work and want to believe you meant well, we also feel you had a responsibility -- in your speech, you also made some comments regarding 'believing women' -- in deciding to shout out a known transgressor, you also made your other point totally moot. What a shame. We're looking forward to hearing some kind of clarification from you on this subject. All best.

Congratulations Sean ! Well deserved!

Hi to "confused". I don't think anonymous blog comments are the best place to talk about this. But you didn't leave any contact information.

I think you are referring to the events described in this article:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/women-shouldnt-have-to-wait-years-for-sexual-offenders-to-apologize/article21511954

I hadn't seen the piece until you brought it to my attention. Obviously it breaks my heart. Carl has been a friend and mentor to me. And the behaviour described by Leah McLaren is just awful.

I didn't know about it when I cited him. I don't think it would have cancelled out what I said, but it would have mitigated it. The last thing I wanted was to send a mixed message.

At the same time, there needs to be a place in these conversations for reconciliation and dialogue. It's not my place to offer forgiveness or apologies, but we do need to leave room for the appropriate parties to do so. What I said in my speech is that we must believe people, and also that those who commit violence must reckon with what they've done. I hope Carl will. And I absolutely stand in support of Leah McLaren.

Thanks -- your reply goes a ways towards explaining and also soothing. (We weren't looking to distress or annoy, hence no contact info.) It's brave and important that you've even bothered to discuss. Cheers.

Huge congratulations, Sean! I saw the speech and had to hold back a few tears... I understand how much you deserve this and how wonderful it must be to be recognized in this manner.

I look forward to reading your book!:-)

Kind Regards!

Kenneth, Oslo, Norway

Congratulations Sean! I've got the book, now all I need is some quiet reading time... getting the book was easier.

Sean rules!

Love this blog and your writing. You are extremely talented.

Huge! Congratulations Sean. I've greatly enjoyed your writing since Jordan introduced me to your blog almost a lifetime ago (around the time you won the Time magazine accolade). Thanks for the early X-mas present, I have my holiday reading all set.

From a long time reader and admirer of this blog, I offer my congratulations to you on winning this prestigious award. Your acceptance speech was very moving and inspiring. Bravo.

Lovely to hear of someone else being deeply affected by Elizabeth Fraser's voice. It's been a rock for me as well as a ritual where I go through the entire recorded works of Cocteau Twins at least once I year. Sometimes in order of release date and sometimes in a hodge podge of whatever I am feeling and which slight of the world needs healing. My well worn favourites are the four songs on Orange Appled and then Treasure. Congratulations on the Giller and know that reading about you name checking the Twins in your acceptance speech was a weird but great start to my day.