Each year, a work of contemporary Canadian literature is chosen by the committee from nominations by the MacEwan University community. The committee bases its selection on the book’s appeal and its potential to generate interest and discussion at MacEwan University. In addition to the book being taught in classes across the university, an exciting tradition of this program is the on-campus visit of the book’s author to discuss the book with students, staff and faculty. This year’s events will be reframed to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, but will include many opportunities for students to engage with the author, including through podcasts and virtual classroom visits.
Foe is a taut, psychological mind-bender from the bestselling author of I’m Thinking of Ending Things.
Junior and Hen are a quiet married couple. They live a comfortable, solitary life on their farm, far from the city lights, but in close quarters with each other. One day, a stranger from the city arrives with surprising news: Junior has been randomly selected to travel far away from the farm…very far away. The most unusual part? Arrangements have already been made so that when he leaves, Hen won’t have a chance to miss him at all, because she won’t be left alone—not even for a moment. Hen will have company. Familiar company.
Foe examines the nature of domestic relationships, self-determination, and what it means to be (or not to be) a person. An eerily entrancing page-turner, it churns with unease and suspense from the first words to its shocking finale.
Iain Reid is the author of two critically acclaimed, award-winning books of nonfiction. His internationally bestselling debut novel, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, has been published in more than twenty countries and has been adapted into a movie by Oscar-winner Charlie Kaufman, which Reid co-produced. His second novel, Foe, was an instant bestseller and feature film rights have been acquired by Anonymous Content, with Reid set to executive produce. Iain is represented by Samantha Haywood.
Learn more about MacEwan University’s Book of the Year Program here: https://www.macewan.ca/wcm/MacEwanEvents/AnnualEvents/MacEwanBookoftheYear/index.htm