Gallery Room

Sonia Saikaley

Award-winning fiction, poetry, and children’s literature exploring culture, identity, and belonging.

Sonia Saikaley

Sonia Saikaley was born and raised in Ottawa in a large Lebanese family. The daughter of a shopkeeper, she grew up surrounded by stories, people, and possibility. Her life has taken her as far as Northern Japan, where she taught English and studied belly dance. She is a graduate of the University of Ottawa and the Humber School for Writers.

An award-winning writer of fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, Sonia’s work explores culture, identity, and belonging. Her novel The Allspice Bath received the 2020 IPPY Gold Medal and the International Book Award for Multicultural Fiction. She is currently working on a new novel, Jasmine Season on Hamra Street, supported by an Ontario Arts Council grant.

NEWLY RELEASED 2021

A children's book by Sonia Saikaley Find out how Samantha solves her problem of being bored when all her friends are on vacation. Samantha's Sandwich Stand is an inspiring story about believing in yourself, accepting help from others when something doesn't succeed at first, and celebrating each other's differences.

The Allspice Bath - GOLD MEDAL WINNER!

In this novel, Sonia Saikaley beautifully portrays the struggle of first generation Canadians as she delves into the life of Adele. At the same time Adele wants to shed her parents' ways and demands, she learns to embrace her heritage while forging her own identity.

A Samurai's Pink House - Poetry Collection

A collection of poetry features poems which are threaded with the transformation of the seasons from Matsuo Basho’s travels to a love affair between a kabuki cross-dresser and a lonely geisha and the struggles of women in ancient and modern-day Japan. The collection takes the reader on a journey through the fascinating culture of Japan with graceful and accessible language.

Turkish Delight, Montreal Winter - Poetry Collection

Turkish Delight, Montreal Winter takes the reader from Lebanon’s olive groves to Montreal’s frigid winters and underground malls. These closely connected poems present a narrative threaded with the rich traditions of the Middle East, from its dazzling varied food to its bustling Arabian marketplaces and passionate politics.

Purchases from this Artist's Gallery Room must be made directly with each publisher of the individual books.

Simply click on the book and you will be linked directly to the site for a description of the book and on-line purchasing.

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