Curious about what makes a book a classic? Here’s the scoop on that.
CBC Books senior producer Ryan B. Patrick shared his thoughts on classic novels, emphasizing their ability to reveal universal truths. Themes like love versus loss, identity exploration, power dynamics, and the clash between good and evil mark the essence of a classic piece, according to him.
Patrick highlighted three books by Black Canadian authors that he believes are on the path to becoming modern classics. Dionne Brand’s What We All Long For, André Alexis’s Fifteen Dogs, and Ian Williams’s You’ve Changed were the titles discussed during a conversation with Antonio Michael Downing on The Next Chapter.
Shaping Canadian Literature Anew
Patrick’s first pick, What We All Long For by Dionne Brand, won the 2006 National Book Award. The novel portrays the lives of four second-generation Canadians in Toronto navigating the complexities of urban living.
Brand’s unique approach, focusing on urban and Black diasporic experiences, adds a fresh perspective to Canadian literature, breaking away from traditional wilderness themes. Brand, a highly acclaimed queer Black artist, has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award for poetry in 1997.
A Captivating Blend of Speed and Depth
Patrick’s next choice, Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis, won the 2017 Canada Reads and the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize. The story delves into the consequences of granting human intelligence to a group of dogs, sparking philosophical discussions on consciousness and individual choices.
Alexis’s ability to blend intricate philosophical concepts with engaging storytelling has reshaped the landscape of Black Canadian literature, according to Patrick.
Innovative Narratives and Thoughtful Reflections
Patrick’s final selection, You’ve Changed by Ian Williams, is a recent release with the potential to become a modern classic, in his view. The novel delves into the complexities of marriage and personal evolution, exploring themes of change and racial dynamics.
Williams’s adeptness at playing with narrative structure and form, especially in addressing sensitive topics like race and gender, sets his work apart. His previous accolades, including winning the Scotiabank Giller Prize for his debut novel Reproduction, attest to his storytelling prowess.
Quotes have been condensed for clarity. Jacqueline Kirk contributed to this segment.