Every decade has its collection of iconic works of fiction and non-fiction. However, the 2010’s arguably saw a massive influx of prominent Canadian authors gaining global recognition. As country with an often-intentionally foggy history, plagued with instances of racism and genocide, and the objectionable tendency to cover it all up, it is no small feat to see the increase of works that tackle complex Canadian issues. Nevertheless, here is a list of ten iconic Canadian reads that will no doubt one-day become part of the canon of Canadian literature:
Note: The books are not listed in any specific order.
- Frying Plantain by Zalika Reid-Benta
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Frying Plantain follows the journey of Kara Davis, a Canadian-born girl who struggles with her national identity, as she tries to navigate through life as a Jamaican girl and a Canadian. A poignant read on the intersectionality of race and identity set in Toronto.
- The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O’Neill
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The Lonely Hearts Hotel is the story of two young orphans, and follows them through adolescence and young adulthood. The novel is set in Montreal during the early 20th century and grapples with the effect of poverty, abuse, and love with elegance and prose that is both enchanting and moving.
Molly McCloskey of The Guardian writes, “This novel is neither gritty realism nor noir, not Commedia dell’arte nor dystopian fairytale, but a bit of all of them.”
- Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga
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Seven Fallen Feathers is a multi-award winning, non-fiction book about the murders of seven Indigenous students in Thunder Bay, Ontario, from 2000-2011. Talaga sheds light on the injustices within the legal system and societal perceptions that often disenfranchise Indigenous groups. The book provides a harrowing and eye-opening look about the way our country treats its own people.
The book received the 2018 RBC Taylor Prize, the 2017 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing, and the First Nation Communities Read Indigenous Literature Award.
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
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Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Station Eleven is simultaneously suspense, science fiction, and literary fiction. The novel is a beautiful look into the nature of people in the face of adversity and the way in which art allows us to maintain hope even in darkness.
The novel won the Arthur C. Clarke award in 2015.
- From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle
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From The Ashes is a memoir by formerly homeless Jesse Thistle, who struggled with severe drug addiction throughout his adolescence and young adulthood. He addresses his Metis-Cree upbringing, his broken family, and the struggles he faced along the way to becoming an award-winning writer and professor. The story is both heartbreaking and filled with hope.
The Toronto Star wrote, “In spare and often brutal prose . . . Thistle weaves a narrative punctuated with joy and comedy and ultimately redemption.”
- Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis
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Fifteen Dogs is a modern day moral-fable in which some Torontonian dogs are granted human consciousness and language. The novel unpacks the wonder and limitations of human consciousness in a humorous and thoughtful way.
Fifteen Dogs won the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2015.
- The Orenda by Joseph Boyden
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The Orenda is a historical-fiction novel set in Canada in the early 17th century. It follows three distinctly different characters: a Christian Missionary, an Iroquois girl, and a Huron warrior. The interactions of the characters set the stage for what is to become modern Canadian political and societal structures.
It is the winner of the CBC Canada Reads Award in 2014.
- Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto
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Forgiveness tells the story of two different families during WWII. Ralph MacLean is a Canadian captured by the Japanese and sent to a Prisoner of War (POW) camp. Mitsue Sakamoto is a Japanese immigrant seeking a better life for her family in Vancouver when they are abruptly sent to an Internment camp in Alberta. The book focuses on the beauty and necessity of forgiveness.
It is the winner of the CBC Canada Reads Award in 2018.
- Beyond the Trees by Adam Shoalts
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A non-fiction journey through the beautiful and often-unforgiving Canadian Arctic. Adam Shoalts travelled from Eagle Plains, Yukon Territory to Baker Lake, Nunavut and along the way experienced the ferocity and grandeur of the great white north.
The book was named “One of the best books of the year” by Indigo.
- Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
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Washington Black is the fictional tale of an eleven-year old slave from Barbados, chosen to be the manservant to his master’s brother. The relationship between the two is constantly tested and the implications of racism are interwoven throughout the story. The story takes place across the globe – from Barbados, to the Arctic.
It is the winner of the Scotiabank Giller Prize 2018.