WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg’s internationally renowned Carol Shields Writer- in-Residence, David Bergen presents his lecture Learning to Write, dedicated “to all the novelists I have borrowed from, with gratitude,” on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm in Convocation Hall (2nd floor, Wesley Hall, 515 Portage Avenue), with reception to follow. This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
Meet with Bergen
In addition to his lecture, Bergen, as Writer-in-Residence, has an office in the English Department at The University of Winnipeg (Room 2M69) and meets with writing students and members of the public in private consultations. Interested writers may contact him by phoning 204.786.9203.
Giller Prize
David Bergen’s 2005 novel, The Time In Between, won the Giller Prize, the most prestigious award given for fiction in Canada. The novel also won the McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award and the Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction. The American Kirkus review called it “a beautifully composed, unflinching and harrowing story. Perhaps the best fiction yet to confront and comprehend the legacy of Vietnam.”
His novel The Case of Lena S. was short listed for a Governor General’s Literary Award in 2002 and won the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award. His first novel, A Year of Lesser, was the McNally Robinson Book of the Year in 1996.
David Bergen’s most recent novel, The Retreat, which was long-listed for the Giller, is perhaps his most accomplished work to date.
The University of Winnipeg is delighted and proud to host him in the Carol Shields Writer-in-Residence program this year.
Carol Shields was known for cultivating emerging writers, mentoring students and members of the writing community, and the Carol Shields Writer-in-Residence Program continues this legacy which was established in 2005. Bergen’s residency has been made possible by the Carol Shields family and the Canada Council for the Arts.
