Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves history, mystery, and poetry into unforgettable tales—meet Steven Price! This acclaimed novelist and poet has captivated readers with his lyrical prose and intricate narratives, blending the grit of historical mysteries with the depth of literary fiction. From foggy Victorian London to the sunlit shores of Lampedusa, Price’s stories explore identity, memory, and the human spirit, earning him a cherished spot in contemporary Canadian literature.
Born and raised in British Columbia, Price’s journey from poet to novelist is a testament to his versatility and passion for storytelling. His works, like the Giller Prize-longlisted By Gaslight and the Ethel Wilson Prize-winning Lampedusa, showcase a unique ability to marry poetic precision with sprawling narratives, making him a standout voice in historical and literary fiction.
The Making of Steven Price
Steven Price was born in Victoria, British Columbia, where the rugged Pacific Northwest landscape likely sparked his vivid imagination. He earned a BFA from the University of Victoria in 2000 and an MFA in poetry from the University of Virginia, honing a craft that would later define his novels’ lyrical style. Teaching poetry and fiction at his alma mater, Price lives in Victoria with his partner, Giller Prize-winning novelist Esi Edugyan, and their two children. This literary household, steeped in creativity, has undoubtedly shaped his storytelling. His early poetry collections, like Anatomy of Keys, won accolades, setting the stage for his novelistic ventures.
Steven Price’s Unforgettable Stories
Price’s novels are masterclasses in blending historical settings with psychological depth. His debut novel, Into That Darkness (2011), is a haunting tale set in a post-earthquake Victoria, exploring survival and sacrifice with poetic intensity. Critics praised its dark realism, noting Price’s ability to craft suspense with a poet’s touch. His second novel, By Gaslight (2016), is a sprawling neo-Victorian mystery set in 1885 London, following detective William Pinkerton’s hunt for the elusive Edward Shade. Longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, it’s a fog-drenched epic lauded for its atmospheric prose and intricate plotting.
Price’s third novel, Lampedusa (2019), shifts to 1950s Sicily, chronicling the life of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of The Leopard. Shortlisted for the Giller Prize and winner of the Ethel Wilson Prize, it’s a poignant meditation on legacy and mortality, infused with Price’s signature lyrical style. His poetry collections, Anatomy of Keys (2006) and Omens in the Year of the Ox (2012), explore figures like Harry Houdini and themes of time and transformation, earning the Gerald Lampert and ReLit Awards, respectively. Price’s work, rich with metaphor and classical allusions, invites readers into worlds where history and emotion intertwine.
Why Steven Price Matters
Steven Price’s impact lies in his ability to bridge poetry and prose, creating stories that resonate with both literary enthusiasts and mystery lovers. His historical mysteries don’t just thrill—they probe the human condition, asking what it means to leave a mark in a fleeting world. Teaching at the University of Victoria, Price inspires emerging writers, while his works elevate Canadian literature on the global stage. His nuanced exploration of memory and identity continues to captivate readers, cementing his legacy as a literary innovator.
- Born: Victoria, British Columbia
- Key Works: By Gaslight, Lampedusa, Into That Darkness, Anatomy of Keys
- Awards: Ethel Wilson Prize, Gerald Lampert Award, ReLit Award
- Fun Fact: Price is married to novelist Esi Edugyan, forming a literary power couple!
Snag By Gaslight or Lampedusa and dive into Steven Price’s mesmerizing blend of history, mystery, and poetry!