Shani Mootoo is a Canadian writer of fiction, poetry and essays. Born in Dublin to Trinidadian parents, Mootoo originally came to Canada as a student and later returned as an immigrant. Her work addresses various permutations of identity and belonging, along with family and national histories. Originally a visual artist and video maker, Mootoo’s first published work was a collection of short stories, Out on Main Street (1993), followed in 1996 by the internationally recognized Cereus Blooms at Night.
The author of ten books (to date), Mootoo is known for lush, evocative imagery and stories underpinned by complex ideas about desire, memory and history. Each book explores an aspect of these, and of how the past can influence the present, both personally and in terms of national identity
Shani Mootoo is a Canadian writer of fiction, poetry and essays. Born in Dublin to Trinidadian parents, Mootoo originally came to Canada as a student and later returned as an immigrant. Her work addresses various permutations of identity and belonging, along with family and national histories. Originally a visual artist and video maker, Mootoo’s first published work was a collection of short stories, Out on Main Street (1993), followed in 1996 by the internationally recognized Cereus Blooms at Night.
The author of ten books (to date), Mootoo is known for lush, evocative imagery and stories underpinned by complex ideas about desire, memory and history. Each book explores an aspect of these, and of how the past can influence the present, both personally and in terms of national identity
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
