Maurice Vellekoop (Lito Howse)

Maurice Vellekoop has won the 2024 Toronto Book Award for his graphic memoir I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together – the first graphic novel to win the prize.

Vellekoop’s book was one of five shortlisted for this year’s $10,000 award, which honours books across all genres that are inspired by the city.

In their citation, the jury called the book “a tribute not only to love but to longing, a cogent exploration of desire.”

I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together is the first book from Vellekoop, who was born in Toronto, graduated from the Ontario College of Art, and has had a 35-year career in editorial and advertising art, zine and comic publications, and art exhibitions. In his memoir, Vellekoop tells the story of surviving his strict Christian upbringing.

“Vellekoop’s yearning to live his best gay life conflicts with his traditional family, and with the often flighty and intimidating Toronto arts scene of the 1980s and 90s,” the jury wrote. “With vulnerability and humour, Vellekoop shares his experiences against the backdrop of our city, whose intricate suburban and downtown auras he captures in graphic form.”

The jury for this year’s prize, which marks the award’s 50th year, was comprised of former Toronto Book Award finalists and winners Desmond Cole, Anthony De Sa, Jane Farrow, Rabindranath Maharaj, and Kerri Sakamoto.