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Patrick deWitt among three authors shortlisted for Leacock Medal for Humour

TORONTO — Internationally bestselling author Patrick deWitt is among the three finalists for the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. The $25,000 award goes to the best Canadian book of literary humour published in the previous year.
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Author Patrick deWitt stops on the red carpet at the Scotiabank Giller Prize gala in Toronto on Monday, Nov.19, 2018. Bestselling author deWitt is among the three finalists for the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

TORONTO — Internationally bestselling author Patrick deWitt is among the three finalists for the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.

The $25,000 award goes to the best Canadian book of literary humour published in the previous year.

DeWitt made the short list for "The Librarianist," which tells the life story of a retired librarian who volunteers at a senior's centre.

Also nominated is Ali Bryan for "Coq," a family dramedy set on a group trip to Paris.

Deborah Willis rounds out the short list with "Girlfriend on Mars," a novel about a woman competing on a reality show to land a spot on a rocket ship to the red planet — and the boyfriend she plans to leave behind.

The award will be handed out on June 22, and runners-up will receive $5,000 apiece.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 21, 2024.

The Canadian Press