Campbell River Author Shari Green Wins Prestigious Literary Award

Shari Green, a resident of Campbell River, has been honored with the prestigious Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People at a gala event held in Toronto on October 27, 2023. This accolade recognizes her novel, Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams, which delves into the intricacies of life in late 1980s communist East Germany.

The jury praised Green’s storytelling, stating that her “gripping novel in verse” effectively captures the familial, personal, and political complexities of the era. The book has also been recognized as a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize, further solidifying Green’s place in contemporary literature.

Set against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall‘s fall, Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams follows a 16-year-old pianist, Helena, living in Leipzig. As she strives to achieve her dream of becoming a conductor, the political climate poses significant challenges. The narrative unfolds in August 1989, a critical month leading up to the protests that ultimately contributed to the wall’s collapse. The East German government’s restrictions on various music genres, including Italian operas and songs from the Beatles, serve as a poignant reminder of the oppressive regime.

In her acceptance speech, Green reflected on the connections between historical events and contemporary issues, stating, “When I was writing this book, I was struck by how often the events and themes of the time were so similar to what I was seeing in the news currently. And it reaffirmed for me the importance of listening to and sharing the stories of history.”

The novel’s exploration of the Peaceful Revolution, known as Die Wende (“the turning point”) in Germany, is central to the narrative. Green notes that Helena becomes involved in the protest movement, which began with the Monday demonstrations outside St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig on September 4, 1989. Despite efforts by the Stasi to suppress the movement, it gained momentum throughout the country, culminating in significant social change.

Green’s work highlights not only the personal struggles of her characters but also the broader implications of political activism and the power of youth in effecting change. Through Helena’s journey, readers gain insight into the resilience and determination of those who fought for freedom during a tumultuous period in history.

As Green continues to receive accolades for her impactful storytelling, Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of historical narratives in understanding our present and future.