TORONTO - Quebec author Nicolas Dickner's first novel, "Nikolski," has won this year's "Canada Reads" competition held by CBC Radio One.
Originally published in French in 2005, the book follows three young francophones who are linked in ways they're unaware of.
"Nikolski" has won several other honours, including the Prix des libraries du Quebec and France's Prix Lavinal Printemps des lecteurs.
In November 2008, Lazer Lederhendler won the Governor General's Award for translating the book into English.
"Canada Reads" sees celebrities promoting a work of fiction of their choice. Books are gradually voted off until a winner is declared.
Montreal author Michel Vezina championed "Nikolski" on this year's panel.
Olympic hurdler Perdita Felicien argued on behalf of "Fall on Your Knees" by Ann-Marie MacDonald, while Edmonton poet laureate Roland Pemberton, who performs under the name Cadence Weapon, chose Douglas Coupland's "Generation X."
The other panellists included Vancouver broadcaster Simi Sara, who pushed for "Good to a Fault" by Marina Endicott.
War Child Canada executive director Dr. Samantha Nutt picked "The Jade Peony" by Wayson Choy.
Last year's "Canada Reads" winner was Lawrence Hill's historical novel "The Book of Negroes."