Toronto Artist Maurice Vellekoop Wins 2024 Toronto Book Award for Groundbreaking Graphic Novel

Toronto artist Maurice Vellekoop has won the 2024 Toronto Book Award for his graphic memoir I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together, marking the first time a graphic novel has received the prestigious accolade. The award, announced on November 10 at the Toronto Reference Library, highlights the city’s literary talent and diversity. Vellekoop’s book, published by Random House Canada, captures his journey of self-acceptance and creative exploration within Toronto’s arts scene, spanning from suburban Etobicoke to the bustling neighborhoods of downtown.

The Toronto Book Awards jury, comprising esteemed authors Desmond Cole, Anthony De Sa, Jane Farrow, Rabindranath Maharaj, and Kerri Sakamoto, praised I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together as “a tribute not only to love but to longing, a cogent exploration of desire.” Through humor, vulnerability, and striking illustrations, Vellekoop recounts his path to living authentically in the face of societal expectations and the challenges of Toronto’s arts community in the 1980s and ‘90s.

Born in Toronto in 1964, Vellekoop is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) and has had a 35-year career as an illustrator, with work featured in international editorial and advertising, zine and comic publications, and art exhibitions. With I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together, Vellekoop makes his debut as an author, bringing a fresh and dynamic voice to Canadian literature.

Vickery Bowles, Toronto Public Library’s City Librarian, expressed her enthusiasm for the landmark win and the Toronto Book Awards’ milestone anniversary: “The library is thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Book Awards. Congratulations to Maurice Vellekoop for his outstanding writing and illustrations in the graphic novel I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together, an intimate graphic memoir and coming-of-age story about a queer artist in 1970s Toronto. I hope that Torontonians will add all of this year’s Toronto Book Awards nominated titles to their reading lists.”

In addition to Vellekoop’s memoir, this year’s finalists included Reuniting with Strangers by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, The Roosting Box by Kristen Den Hartog, The Rasmussen Papers by Connie Gault, and The Suicide Magnet by Paul McLaughlin. Each finalist received $1,000, with Vellekoop awarded $10,000. A full list of this year’s nominated titles is available on the Toronto Public Library website.

Reflecting on his achievement, Vellekoop expressed deep appreciation for the recognition: “I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to accept the 2024 Toronto Book Award during the 50th anniversary year. Thanks to the City of Toronto staff for their work to continue promoting, defending and celebrating books.”

Established in 1974, the Toronto Book Awards spotlight works of literary merit that draw inspiration from Toronto. Now in its 50th year, the award received 116 submissions, showcasing the city’s rich creativity and cultural diversity.

For more information, visit the official Toronto Book Awards page at www.toronto.ca/bookawards.