The CCIAWJ Book Club was honored to host award-winning Canadian author Kim Thuy at its meeting in Quebec City on June 12, 2024 .

Ms. Thuy attended to discuss her 2009 debut novel Ru, a coming of age story based on Ms. Thuy’s childhood journey from Vietnam to Granby, Quebec as a refugee fleeing the Vietnam War.

Ru has been translated into more than 28 languages and is a “must read” of Canadian fiction. It won the 2010 Governor General’s Award for French-language fiction, the 2010 Grand prix RTL-Lire at the Paris Book Fair, Italy’s Premio Mondello per la Multiculturalità Award in 2011 and the 2011 Archambault Literary Award. It earned the top spot in the CBC’s 2015 Canada Reads competition. The novel was recently adapted for film – it premiered in the Special Presentations Program at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

The Book Club audience was mesmerized as Ms. Thuy recounted her journey from Vietnam, to Granby, to a career in law, and eventually to a career as a novelist. A skilled raconteur, she kept the group rolling with laughter throughout her one-hour presentation. Afterwards, she graciously obliged participants by remaining for one-on-one meetings and book signings.

Kim Thuy is the author of several other acclaimed novels including A toi, Man, Vi, Em, and The Fish and the Bird. The Book Club is grateful for her time and participation in a memorable chat.