Giller Prize 2023: Complete list of winners

Sarah Bernstein’s Study for Obedience claimed the top prize at the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize, Canada’s most prestigious literary award for English-language fiction. The novel, a darkly philosophical work that interrogates power dynamics and human nature through its examination of an unusual artistic experiment, represents a striking victory for a debut author in a year of strong contenders. The Giller Prize, which has championed Canadian fiction since 1994 and carries a $100,000 prize for the winner, continues to be a bellwether for serious literary achievement in the country, with this year’s selection underscoring the award’s commitment to bold, intellectually challenging work.

Bernstein’s win signals an interesting moment for the Giller Prize 2023, highlighting the growing recognition of formally inventive fiction that challenges readers to grapple with uncomfortable moral questions. Study for Obedience stands out for its unflinching exploration of complicity and manipulation, themes that resonate deeply in contemporary literary discourse. The Scotiabank Giller Prize’s choice reflects a broader trend in recent years toward awarding fiction that prioritizes artistic integrity and thematic depth, even when the subject matter demands uncommon stamina from readers.

Below, explore the complete winners list and finalists from this year’s competition.

Fiction

• Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein