'I want to have the reader close to me': Anne Michaels on her Booker and Giller-nominated novel 'Held'

Michaels's latest novel is a story of love, loss, and the power of memory

Anne Michaels's latest novel, Held, is a story of love, loss, and the power of memory. It tells the story of Ella, a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her husband. Ella is haunted by memories of their time together, and she finds herself unable to move on with her life. As she grieves, Ella begins to explore the nature of love and loss, and she comes to realize that the past is never truly gone.

Michaels on her inspiration for the novel

"I wanted to write a novel about love and loss," Michaels says. "I wanted to explore the ways in which we grieve, and the ways in which we find healing." Michaels was inspired to write Held after the death of her own husband. "I found myself thinking about the nature of love and loss, and I wanted to write a novel that would explore these themes," she says.

Michaels says that she hopes Held will resonate with readers who have experienced loss. "I hope that readers will find solace in this novel," she says. "I hope that it will help them to feel less alone in their grief."

The critical reception of Held

Held has been met with critical acclaim. The New York Times called it "a powerful and moving novel about love, loss, and the power of memory." The Guardian said that "Michaels has written a masterpiece that will stay with readers long after they finish it."

Held is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and the power of memory. It is a must-read for anyone who has experienced loss or who is interested in these themes.