Michael Redhill

Redhill, Michael
Michael Redhill poet, playwright, short-story writer, novelist (born at Baltimore, Maryland, 12 June 1966). Born in Baltimore but raised in Toronto, Michael Redhill attended Indiana University, York University (Toronto) and graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts in English. In addition to creating award-winning poetry, fiction, and drama, Redhill is also the editor of Brick, one of Canada's premier literary journals.

Michael Redhill's early publications are primarily poetry collections, including Music for Silence (1985), Temporary Captives (1989), Asphodel (1997), and Light-Crossing (2001). His poetry has earned him several awards including first prize in the League of Canadian Poets National Poetry Contest, the Norma Epstein Award, and the E.J. Pratt Prize. Redhill is also an established playwright. Building Jerusalem (2001), a drama set on the eve of 20th century Toronto, won the Dora Mavor Moore Award, the Chalmers Award and was nominated for a GOVERNOR GENERAL'S AWARD. Goodness (2005), which won the Carol Tambor Award, is a highly personal examination of heartache and the Holocaust.

Michael Redhill gained national and international acclaim for his fiction. His book Martin Sloane (2001) won the Books in Canada First Novel Award and the Commonwealth Writers Prize (Canadian-Caribbean Region). The novel revolves around the relationship between university student Jolene Iolas and the titular eccentric artist. The intricately unfolded narrative is told by Jolene as she searches for Martin after his mysterious disappearance. Redhill dedicated 10 years and 12 drafts to the production of this wonderfully crafted novel.

Redhill's Fidelity (2004) is a compelling collection of short stories investigating the intricacies, delights, betrayals, and failings of marriage, familial relationships, and friendship. The focus ranges from a mother trying to connect with her incredibly gifted son, a father struggling with his abrupt awakening to his daughter's sexual maturation, and several men who never seem to know when relationships have ended - or haven't even begun. Michael Redhill's second novel, Consolation (2006), traces the evolution of Toronto through the death of 2 of its citizens, separated by a century and a half. A masterful mingling of public history and private pain, Consolation confirms Redhill's ability to examine the intricacies and vagaries of human relationships.

Author PAUL CHAFE

Links to Other Sites
Michael Redhill
An interview with Canadian author Michael Redhill. From the website for Quill & Quire magazine.

Old photos inspired Michael Redhill's 'One Book' Consolation
An article about Michael Redhill's book "Consolation." From thestar.com.