Giller Prize 2005: Complete list of winners

David Bergen’s The Time in Between claimed the top prize at the 2005 Giller Prize, one of Canada’s most prestigious literary awards. The novel, which explores the complexities of memory and displacement through the life of a man reflecting on his past, resonated deeply with the award’s jury. Bergen’s win marked a significant moment for the Giller Prize, which has long positioned itself as a champion of exceptional Canadian fiction that deserves wider recognition beyond the country’s borders. The award, established in 1994 and named after the late literary journalist Jarlath Giller, continues to draw attention to some of the country’s most compelling voices in contemporary literature.

The 2005 Giller Prize selection underscored the award’s commitment to recognizing literary merit and narrative innovation. Bergen’s victory came at a time when the Giller Prize was solidifying its reputation as a major cultural touchstone in Canadian publishing, attracting both celebrated authors and emerging talents to its shortlists year after year. His win added another acclaimed title to the prize’s growing roster of winners, further cementing the Giller Prize’s status as an essential barometer for quality fiction in English Canada.

Here’s a closer look at this year’s winner:

Fiction

• The Time in Between by David Bergen