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Toronto Star

Madeleine Thien is the quiet conscience of Canadian literature. Nine years after winning the country's top book prize, she returns with a stirring new novel

Updated 1 hr ago May 3, 2025 9 min read Save By Richie AssalyCulture Reporter On a recent trip to Europe, Madeleine Thien dragged her partner, writer Rawi Hage, over a treacherous mountain path through the Pyrenees. The trek was a minor disaster – authors are rarely known for their outdoorsiness ('I thought she was trying to kill me,' Hage deadpanned) – but Thien was determined to trace the steps of philosopher Hannah Arendt, who fled to Spain from Vichy France during the Second World War. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW RA Richie Assaly is a culture reporter for the Star, with an interest in music, pop culture and food reporting. He is also a juror for Polaris Music Prize. Related Stories After a harrowing spiral into darkness, Toronto singer Cold Specks returns with breathtaking comeback album A contentious partnership, high-profile resignations and accusations of antisemitism. Inside the turmoil at Canada's most prestigious literary prize Olive trees, hope and the power of music in dark times: How a renowned Palestinian-Canadian pianist rediscovered his creative spark Report an error Journalistic Standards About The Star More from The Star & partners