Halifax’s literary scene has reason to celebrate: local author and professor David Huebert has been named a finalist for the 49th annual Amazon Canada First Novel Award for his debut novel Oil People.
Huebert moved to southwestern Ontario for his PhD. During this time, he was fascinated by the towns and villages he found as he immersed himself in his new surroundings. “This history of oil seemed to me, very literally and metaphorically, buried in the area,” he told Mattea Roach on CBC’s new author interview series Bookends.
This “open secret,” as Huebert put it, ultimately became the premise for his debut novel Oil People—a novel that unfolds across dual timelines to explore family secrets and the dark pull of petroleum, both as a resource and a force in people’s lives.
Huebert is one of six Canadian writers nominated for the First Novel Award, presented by Amazon Canada and The Walrus. The honour celebrates bold and original voices making their debut in the Canadian literary landscape. Each finalist receives $6,000, while the winner—announced June 5 in Toronto—will take home $60,000.
The in-person ceremony will be hosted by The Walrus executive director Jennifer Hollett and will feature a keynote by acclaimed author Mona Awad, who won the award in 2016.
For many in Halifax, the recognition feels personal.
“I wish him the best of luck,” said Emily Reid, a student at the University of King’s College, where Huebert teaches. “It’s a feeling of pride to have a professor and alumnus from your university nominated for an award.”
Literature student Jordan Mahar added, “People here think that studying literature is a waste of time and not a worthy degree… He’s making us writers from Halifax feel seen.”
Classmate Emily Vance echoed the sentiment: “Writers are just as important as doctors and lawyers. We’re a less glamorous profession and get overlooked.” She sees Huebert’s nomination as a quiet but powerful form of recognition: “It’s proof that writers do come from Halifax.”
Meet the 2025 Finalists
Listed alphabetically by last name, here are the standout authors and their works:
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Subterrane, Valérie Bah (Esplanade Books/Véhicule Press)
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When We Were Ashes, Andrew Boden (Goose Lane Editions)
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Juiceboxers, Benjamin Hertwig (Freehand Books)
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Oil People, David Huebert (McClelland & Stewart)
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How It Works Out, Myriam Lacroix (Doubleday Canada)
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I Hope This Finds You Well, Natalie Sue (HarperCollins Publishers Ltd./HarperCollins Publishers)
Breathing life into their characters and transporting readers to other worlds, these authors have made a mark with their words.
This year’s panel of judges includes an impressive lineup of literary talent: Jean Marc Ah-Sen, Liz Harmer, Chelene Knight, and Shani Mootoo—authors who bring a range of perspectives and deep experience in Canadian literature.
Their work in reviewing and selecting these finalists helps ensure the award stays inclusive, thoughtful, and representative of Canada’s evolving literary voice.
This article appears in May 1-31, 2025.