Cibou shortlisted for two Atlantic Book Awards

Cape Breton novelists shortlisted for literary awards

Sydney, NS – Two of three novelists shortlisted for this year’s Dartmouth Book Award for fiction are Cape Bretoners - again. And CBU Press continues to make the award’s shortlist.

Cibou a historical novel by Susan Young de Biagi, a native of South Bar now living in British Columbia, is published by Cape Breton University Press. Quintet by Douglas Arthur Brown, Kempt Head, is published by Key Porter Books.

Cibou is set in 17th-century Cape Breton and is a fictional account of a young Mi’kmaw woman and her experiences with two of Cape Breton’s most colourful historical figures: Jesuit missionary Antoine Daniel (St. Anthony Daniel) and his brother Charles Daniel.

The novel is also shortlisted for an Atlantic Book Award for Historical Writing.

Readers and reviewers have called Cibou “a rich treasure,” says CBU Press Editor-in-Chief, Mike Hunter.

"It’s a marvelous tale about an earlier and seldom considered time in our history. It's fiction, but as good as fiction should be, it's completely believable, and told in a strong, lyrical and sensitive voice,” he said, quoting reviews.

Douglas Arthur Brown’s Quintet, an innovative novel released in February 2008, has also been met with critical acclaim. Mr. Brown’s previous books included a collection of short fiction published by CBU Press.

Last year, all three books shortlisted for the Dartmouth book award were by Cape Breton authors, including North of Smokey by David Doucette (CBU Press). It was won by Beatrice MacNeil for her novel Where White Horses Gallop. Frank Macdonald’s beloved novel A Forest for Calum (also CBU Press) was shortlisted for the same prize in 2007.

The Atlantic Book Awards ceremony will take place on April 15th at the Alderney Landing Theatre, Dartmouth.

Reviewer: Cibou “gets it right"

Read the full review at: http://joannamallory.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/review-cibou-a-novel-by-susan-young-de-biagi/

"...a well-written story with characters and events that linger after the final page has been turned. I think the best part of this gift is the Mi’Kmaq approach of looking at life - really observing and chewing it over - and finding life lessons to apply. Whatever our culture of origin, as we’ve moved away from the oral tradition we’ve lost the propensity to do this."

"This isn’t a novel to rush, nor is it dry and heavy. It flows gently, thoughtfully, and is well worth a second read. One of my favourite characters is the chief, a man who embodies [the] call to lead through servanthood. The chief is wise and deserves the people’s confidence, but he doesn’t look the part except on formal occasions. His wife complains (with pride) that every time she makes him a thick new robe, he gives it to someone in need."

Joanne Mallory, Word Press

Compliments pouring in

A reader recently sent this note: "I just read Susan Young de Biagi's Cibou this weekend, and it's a rich treasure."

And another this: "I got Cibou: a novel as a Christmas present and I loved it! Of course it had two things I love in it:? Cape Breton and the Jesuits, and none of the modern sentimality or 'shock-to-sell'."

Cibou successfully launched and in demand

Cape Breton born Susan Young de Biagi came home to Sydney to launch her novel in early October. Cibou has been enthusiastically received by audiences coast to coast. In her (now) home town of Powell River, BC, a launch is planned for November 14.

You can listen to excerpts from Cibou that were broadcast by CBC Sydney the week of the launch. Read by Stephanie Johnson, of Chapel Island, the excerpts can be found at: http://www.cbc.ca/mainstreetcb/series3.html. There you will find four readings and an interview with Susan.

Pistured to the right are Susan and Stephanie at the book launch.

Cibou author touring Nova Scotia

Fresh from The Word on the Street and media and store appearances in Halifax, Susan Young de Biagi will launch her debut novel in Sydney on Thursday, Oct. 2.

Be sure to be listening to CBC Mainstreet Sept. 29-Oct 2 for excerpts from Cibou.

Check http://www.cbupress.ca/ for updates.

Thu. Oct. 2 4-6 p.m. official book launch
St. Patrick’s Church Museum, 87 Esplanade, Sydney

Fri. Oct. 3 Coles Sydney Shopping Centre, 3-5 p.m., and
Coles Mayflower Mall, 7-9 p.m. signing