Curious about the qualities that define a classic book? Allow us to shed some light on the matter.
According to CBC Books senior producer Ryan B. Patrick, a classic novel delves into universal truths such as love versus loss, the quest for identity, and the conflict between good and evil.
He identifies three books by Black Canadian authors as modern classics or future classics: Dionne Brand’s What We All Long For, André Alexis’s Fifteen Dogs, and Ian Williams’s You’ve Changed.
Redefining the Landscape of Canadian Literature
Brand’s What We All Long For won the 2006 National Book Award. The narrative follows four second-generation Canadians in Toronto navigating the complexities of urban life.
Patrick praises the book for its authenticity in portraying a Black diasporic urban experience, diverging from traditional Canadian literary themes. Brand, a highly acclaimed queer Black writer, has received prestigious awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Violet Literary Prize.
A Compelling Blend of Speed and Longevity
Patrick lauds Alexis’s Fifteen Dogs, winner of Canada Reads 2017 and the Giller Prize, for its fast-paced narrative that lingers in the reader’s mind. The book explores the philosophical implications of granting human intelligence to dogs, showcasing diverse responses to consciousness.
Alexis, known for blending intricate philosophy with engaging storytelling, has significantly influenced the portrayal of Black Canadian experiences in literature.
An Exploration of Form and Substance
Patrick highlights Ian Williams’s You’ve Changed as a potential modern classic that masterfully dissects the challenges of marriage and racial dynamics. Williams’s narrative experimentation with form and structure showcases his prowess in addressing complex themes.
Williams, an accomplished author and English professor, has garnered critical acclaim for his works, including winning the Scotiabank Giller Prize for his debut novel, Reproduction.
Quotations have been edited for length and clarity. This segment was produced by Jacqueline Kirk.
