Ever wondered what makes a book a classic? Let’s explore that question.
CBC Books senior producer Ryan B. Patrick shared that a classic novel reveals universal truths such as love, loss, identity, power struggles, and good versus evil. He emphasized how a classic novel offers new insights upon each reading, unveiling layers of meaning that evolve with one’s life experiences.
According to Patrick, three books authored by Black Canadians stand out as modern or future classics. These books are Dionne Brand’s What We All Long For, André Alexis’s Fifteen Dogs, and Ian Williams’s You’ve Changed. In a discussion with Antonio Michael Downing on The Next Chapter, he elaborated on his choices.
Redefining Canadian literature
Patrick’s first pick, What We All Long For by Dionne Brand, won the 2006 National Book Award. The novel follows four second-generation Canadians in Toronto navigating the complexities of city life.
He praised the book for its realistic portrayal of urban Black diasporic experiences, shifting the traditional view of Canadian literature from wilderness settings to urban landscapes. Brand, a highly acclaimed writer, has reshaped the narrative of Black and brown lived experiences in Canadian fiction.
A captivating narrative that lingers
Patrick’s next choice, Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis, won the 2017 Canada Reads competition and the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize. The book explores the consequences of granting human intelligence to 15 dogs, delving into philosophical inquiries about consciousness and identity.
He commended Alexis for seamlessly blending profound philosophical themes with engaging storytelling, redefining the Black Canadian literary experience.
An innovative exploration of structure and content
Patrick’s final selection, Ian Williams’s You’ve Changed, though relatively new, shows promise as a modern classic. The novel explores a married couple’s unraveling relationship in Vancouver, highlighting the challenges of marriage and the impact of personal change on love and identity.
Williams skillfully addresses themes of race and gender, utilizing innovative narrative techniques to enhance the story’s impact. His proficiency in playing with structure and form sets him apart as a master storyteller.
Williams, an English professor at the University of Toronto, boasts a diverse bibliography encompassing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. His debut novel, Reproduction, earned him the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
Quotations have been edited for length and clarity. This segment was produced by Jacqueline Kirk.