Governor General's Award and Scotiabank Giller Prize winner Madeleine Thien is back with new novel
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Thien, whose book Do Not Say We Have Nothing won the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction, the Scotiabank Giller Prize and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, will take to the Annex stage (823 Seymour St.) for a conversation with Vancouver author David Chariandy.
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Answer: The Book of Records is set in a building made of time. It is about the ideas that transform us, the lives we imagine for ourselves and others, and the hopes we carry. It is about a father who knows that his time is limited, and who wants to give his daughter an inner world that will sustain her after he is gone.
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Q: In your book The Sea is a large complex that houses migrants. What makes The Sea different in terms of what we generally perceive as migrant centres?
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A: In fact, The Sea is not a migrant camp or a detention centre. It's an abandoned enclave that, physically, echoes the now demolished Kowloon Walled City. People who have been displaced by war, by the rising sea, by conflict, by dwindling resources, pass through it; The Sea is just one stop on their search for home. Only a very few remain there, often because something prevents them from moving on.
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A: My novel — which, I think it's fair to say, is a strange work — is itself, metaphorically, a building, a place that shelters different philosophies across time; it houses people who are grappling with questions about free will, ethics, and what it means to live a good life. In The Sea, ideas migrate, take on new life, are misunderstood, revised, and sometimes reimagined in the hope that they might guide us when all else seems lost.
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Of course, ideas are not made of air. They are carried by human beings across space and time, across borders. My heart breaks because I do not know a time when migration, displacement, homelessness, and the search for safety were not part of our world.
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Global News
13 hours ago
- Global News
Ozzy Osbourne funeral: Sharon and family mourn, fans line streets to pay tribute to rocker
Thousands of fans lined Broad Street in Birmingham, England, on Wednesday to say goodbye to rock icon Ozzy Osbourne during a funeral procession held for the Black Sabbath frontman, who died on July 22 at the age of 76. Osbourne's wife of 43 years, Sharon, and two of his children, Jack and Kelly, followed the late rocker's hearse in a car as it made its way through the streets of Birmingham, the English city where he grew up and where the band Black Sabbath was formed in 1968. Fans chanted 'Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi!' as the hearse carrying Osbourne made its way down Broad Street to the Black Sabbath bench, which was unveiled on the Broad Street canal bridge in 2019. View image in full screen The family of Ozzy Osbourne (left to right) Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne attend the late rocker's funeral on Broad Street in Birmingham, England. Jacob King/PA Images via Getty Images Six vehicles carrying the Osbourne family — who covered all costs for the procession — followed the hearse. They got out of their vehicles to look at the goodbye messages left for Osbourne. Story continues below advertisement The hearse featured purple flowers spelling out 'Ozzy' on top of his coffin, which could be seen through the window. View image in full screen The family of Ozzy Osbourne viewed the messages and floral tributes left at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of the late Black Sabbath frontman. Osbourne's body was brought back to his home city for a procession. Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images Sharon, who was visibly emotional, leaned on Kelly and Jack for support as she broke down in tears while she laid flowers down in the sea of tributes left for her late husband. View image in full screen Sharon and Kelly Osbourne lay flowers at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, as his body is brought back to his home city for a procession. Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images The crowd chanted, 'Sharon, Sharon, Sharon!' as she stood and admired the fan tributes. Story continues below advertisement @ Members of the Osbourne family are gathered at the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, where floral tributes left by fans have created a shrine in Ozzy's memory. A grief-stricken Sharon Osbourne was 'carried by her children' as she visited the Ozzy memorial on Black Sabbath Bridge. Ozzy Osbourne's wife of 43 years was overcome with emotion as she viewed the hundreds of floral tributes left by fans on Birmingham Broad Street. #birmingham #westmidlands #news #ozzyosbourne #blacksabbath #ozzyosbourneforever ♬ original sound – – Following closely behind Sharon was the couple's third daughter, Aimee, who is rarely seen, and Osbourne's son Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. View image in full screen The wife of Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, mourns during the funeral ceremony of her late husband in Birmingham on July 30, 2025. Loannis Alexopoulos/Anadolu via Getty Images The family spent some time at the bridge before returning to the cars and moving on with the procession. Fans in attendance threw flowers onto the funeral cars as the cortege continued to move further down Broad Street. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy A private funeral service is being held for the Osbourne family and close friends later in the day at an undisclosed location. View image in full screen Sharon Osbourne, wife of Ozzy Osbourne, attends the late rocker's funeral as the procession arrives at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench in Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025. Ioannis Alexopoulos/Anadolu via Getty Images Huge crowds began gathering along the route hours in advance of the procession that began at 1 p.m. local time. Story continues below advertisement The Jaguar hearse and six Mercedes cars were accompanied by police motorcycles and a police car that drove slowly along the street. View image in full screen Fans gather on Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, ahead of his body being brought back to his home city for a procession following his death last week, aged 76. Picture date: July 30, 2025. Jacob King/PA Images via Getty Images The cortege was accompanied by a live brass band performance — local musicians Bostin' Brass — a final musical moment to honour the legacy of Osbourne. The band played some of Osbourne's hits, including Iron Man. The event drew large crowds of fans as they gathered to say goodbye to 'the man who helped shape the global heavy metal genre and who proudly carried the spirit of Birmingham throughout his career, whilst allowing his family a chance to see the many memories of his loyal fans have left alongside flowers and tributes,' according to the press release. Birmingham City Council worked with partners over the weekend to coordinate the 'respectful and safe public event' in collaboration with the Osbourne family, 'who have kindly funded all of the associated costs.' Story continues below advertisement Since Osbourne's death was announced, fans have made pilgrimages to sites around Birmingham, which has embraced its reputation as the birthplace of heavy metal. View image in full screen Floral tributes left at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne. Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images 'Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham. Having recently been awarded the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral,' Coun. Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, said in a statement. 'We know how much this moment will mean to his fans. We're proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city is giving him the farewell he deserves,' Iqbal added. Story continues below advertisement Osbourne and his Black Sabbath bandmates, Terence 'Geezer' Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, were recently awarded the Freedom of the City in recognition of their services to Birmingham. Just over two weeks before his death, Osbourne delivered his last live performance with the original lineup of Black Sabbath at Villa Park soccer stadium in their home city of Birmingham, central England, on July 5. The singer sang from a black throne that rose from under the stage. 'I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart,' the Crazy Train singer said. 'You're all … special. Let's go crazy, come on.' Osbourne performed several songs solo before being joined onstage for the first time in 20 years by his former Black Sabbath bandmates. The band ended a short set with Paranoid, one of its most famous songs. Story continues below advertisement On July 22, his family announced that Osbourne had died, saying, 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.' He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his six children. It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and… — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 22, 2025 — With files from The Associated Press
Toronto Sun
15 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Birmingham, the home of metal, honours Ozzy Osbourne as hearse passes through
Published Jul 30, 2025 • 2 minute read Sharon Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne and Aimee Osbourne view tributes to the late Ozzy Osbourne from fans at Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge as his funeral cortege travels through his home city of Birmingham on July 30, 2025 in Birmingham, England. The Black Sabbath frontman passed away on July 22nd at the age of 76. His death occurred just a little over two weeks after his final live performance at the 'Back to the Beginning' concert in his hometown of Birmingham. Photo by Christopher Furlong / Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — The 'home of metal' is honoring one of its most cherished sons. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Thousands of Black Sabbath fans were paying their respects Wednesday to frontman Ozzy Osbourne as his hearse made its way through the streets of Birmingham, the English city where he grew up and where the band was formed in 1968. The hearse carrying Osbourne, who died last Tuesday at the age of 76, was making its way down Broad Street, the city's major thoroughfare, to the Black Sabbath bench, which was unveiled on the Broad Street canal bridge in 2019. 'Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi,' fans screamed as the hearse arrived. Six vehicles carrying the Osbourne family, who paid for the procession, followed. The family emerged briefly, with his wife of 43 years Sharon, visibly moved. Since his death was announced, fans have made pilgrimages to sites around Birmingham, which has embraced its reputation as the birthplace of heavy metal. Among his peers, Osbourne was metal's godfather. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham,' said city official Zafar Iqbal. 'We know how much this moment will mean to his fans.' Osbourne and his Black Sabbath bandmates, Terence Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, were recently awarded the Freedom of the City in recognition of their services to Birmingham. 'I think he really impacted everyone here, especially in Birmingham as well,' said fan Evie Mayo. 'Now that he's not here anymore, you can feel the impact of it. He inspired a lot of people and he was a great person.' The family of Ozzy Osbourne from left, Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne lay flowers and view the flowers left at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne ahead of the funeral procession, in Birmingham, England, Wednesday July 30, 2025. Photo by Jacob King / AP Black Sabbath's story began in Birmingham in 1968 when the four original members were looking to escape a life of factory work. Without doubt, the sound and fury of heavy metal had its roots in the city's manufacturing heritage. Osbourne never forgot his working-class roots, and his Brummie accent remained. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Black Sabbath has been widely credited with defining and popularizing the sound of heavy metal — aggressive, but full of melodies. Osbourne was the band's frontman during its peak period in the 1970s. His antics, on and off stage, were legendary, and often fueled by copious amounts of drinks and drugs. He was widely known as the 'Prince of Darkness.' The band's eponymous debut album in 1970 made the U.K. top 10 and paved the way for a string of hit albums, including 1971's 'Master of Reality' and 'Vol. 4' a year later. It went on to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide. At the final show on July 5, 42,000 fans watched the band perform for the first time in 20 years at Villa Park, home of the city's biggest soccer club, Aston Villa, with Osbourne seated on a black throne. Osbourne had been in poor health in recent years, especially after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019. Osbourne, who also had a successful solo career, found a new legion of fans in the early 2000s reality show 'The Osbournes' in which he starred alongside Sharon and two youngest children, Kelly and Jack. Read More Sunshine Girls Columnists MLB Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls
Toronto Star
16 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Birmingham, the home of metal, honors Ozzy Osbourne as hearse passes through
BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — The 'home of metal' is honoring one of its most cherished sons. Thousands of Black Sabbath fans were paying their respects Wednesday to frontman Ozzy Osbourne as his hearse made its way through the streets of Birmingham, the English city where he grew up and where the band was formed in 1968.
