Lawrence Hill, author of the bestselling novel The Book of Negroes, has been named winner of the Bob Edwards Award in Calgary.

The award from Alberta Theatre Projects recognizes a literary figure who has demonstrated outstanding curiosity and respect for freedom of expression.

Named for Bob Edwards, controversial editor of the Calgary Eye Opener from 1902 to 1922, it has previously gone to writers such as Margaret Atwood, Gwynne Dyer, Jane Urquhart, Timothy Findley, Carol Shields and John Ralston Saul.

Hill won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for The Book of Negroes, his third novel, a book grounded in little-known black history of the U.S. and Canada.

It follows the life of a woman who begins life in Africa before being sold into slavery and makes her way to freedom using her wits and a little hard-won learning.

A CBC Radio Canada Reads pick in 2009 and included on Oprah's Book Club Summer Reading List, the novel was nominated for both the Giller Prize and the IMPAC Award.

The Book of Negroes has sold more than 500,000 copies, giving it star status in Canada. It has also been optioned for film.

Hill will be feted at the Annual Bob Edwards Award Luncheon on Nov. 10.