What qualities define a book as a classic? If you’ve ever pondered this question, we have the answers for you.
According to CBC Books senior producer Ryan B. Patrick on The Next Chapter, a classic novel is one that uncovers universal truths such as love versus loss, the search for identity, and the battle between good and evil. It should offer layers of meaning that evolve with each reading, resonating differently as one’s life experiences change.
Patrick highlighted three books by Black Canadian authors that he believes are or will become modern classics. These include What We All Long For by Dionne Brand, Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis, and You’ve Changed by Ian Williams, discussed in a conversation with Antonio Michael Downing on The Next Chapter.
Redefining Canadian literature, Brand’s What We All Long For, a 2006 National Book Award winner, follows the lives of four second-generation Canadians in Toronto navigating the complexities of city life. Brand’s urban, Black diasporic perspective offers a fresh take on Canadian literature, shedding light on the value of diverse lived experiences.
Alexis’s Fifteen Dogs, winner of the 2017 Canada Reads and the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize, delves into the philosophical exploration of consciousness through a unique premise involving Greek gods and intelligent dogs. The book’s fast-paced narrative, blending philosophy with engaging storytelling, captivates readers while leaving a lasting impact.
Williams’s You’ve Changed, though relatively new, has the potential to become a modern classic. The novel explores the challenges of marriage and racial dynamics within a couple’s relationship, showcasing Williams’s masterful manipulation of form and structure to convey complex themes.
Each of these authors brings a distinct perspective to Canadian literature, redefining the Black Canadian experience through their thought-provoking works.
