Karen Connelly

Karen Connelly is an acclaimed Canadian author known for her versatile contributions to nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Born in Calgary, Alberta, in 1969, she has published eleven best-selling books, including her debut novel "The Lizard Cage," which earned Britain’s Orange Broadband Prize for New Fiction. Her literary achievements also include winning the Governor General’s Award for nonfiction and the Pat Lowther Award for poetry, solidifying her reputation as a distinguished voice in contemporary literature.

Connelly’s work often reflects her deep engagement with global cultures and social justice issues. A proficient speaker of multiple languages, she has traveled extensively, lecturing and reading her work across Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Her activism extends to her role as a board member of PEN Canada and her involvement in the Free Burma movement. Connelly divides her time between her homes in rural Greece and Toronto, Canada, where she lives with her family. Her writing continues to resonate with readers for its lyrical prose and compelling narratives.
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 The Lizard Cage 2011
2 The Change Room 2017
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 Touch the Dragon 1992
2 One Room in a Castle 1995
3 Dream of a Thousand Lives 2001
4 Burmese Lessons: A true love story 2009
Collections
# Title Year
1 The Small Words in My Body 1990
2 This Brighter Prison 1993
3 The Disorder of Love 1997
4 The Border Surrounds Us 2000
5 Grace and Poison 2001
Karen Connelly Anthologies
# Title Year
1 Finding the Words 2011