What qualifies a book to earn the distinction of a classic? If you’ve ever pondered this question, we’ve got you covered.
According to Ryan B. Patrick, senior producer at CBC Books, a classic novel is one that delves into universal truths such as love versus loss, the quest for identity, power struggles, and the clash between good and evil. He emphasized that a classic novel should offer new insights upon each reading, revealing layers of meaning that evolve with one’s life experiences.
Patrick identified three books by Black Canadian authors that he believes are either already modern classics or have the potential to become one. These books are “What We All Long For” by Dionne Brand, “Fifteen Dogs” by André Alexis, and “You’ve Changed” by Ian Williams. In a conversation with Antonio Michael Downing on “The Next Chapter,” Patrick elaborated on his choices.
Redefining Canadian literature
Patrick’s first pick was Dionne Brand’s “What We All Long For,” which clinched the 2006 National Book Award. The novel follows the lives of four second-generation Canadians in Toronto as they navigate the complexities of city life. Patrick praised the book for its authenticity in portraying urban Black diasporic experiences, diverging from traditional Canadian literary themes.
Brand, a highly acclaimed queer Black writer, has been a prominent figure in Canadian literature for over four decades. She is a member of the Order of Canada and has received numerous accolades, including the 1997 Governor General’s Literary Award for her poetry collection “Land to Light On” and the 2019 Blue Metropolis Violet Literary Prize.
A book that moves quickly but stays with you
Patrick’s second selection was André Alexis’s “Fifteen Dogs,” winner of the 2017 Canada Reads and the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize. The novel explores the consequences of granting human intelligence to a group of dogs, prompting a philosophical inquiry into consciousness and free will. Patrick commended Alexis for seamlessly weaving profound philosophical themes into an engaging narrative.
Alexis, born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Ottawa, has earned critical acclaim for his works, including “Childhood,” which won multiple awards. His ability to blend intricate philosophical inquiries with captivating storytelling has reshaped the portrayal of the Black Canadian experience in literature.
A book that is a master of structure and form
Patrick’s final choice, Ian Williams’s “You’ve Changed,” is a contemporary novel that Patrick believes has the potential to become a modern classic. The story follows a married couple in Vancouver as their relationship faces challenges, exploring themes of change, race, and the complexities of marriage. Williams’s innovative use of form and structure in addressing these themes sets the book apart.
Ian Williams, an English professor at the University of Toronto and an accomplished author across various genres, received acclaim for his debut novel “Reproduction,” which won the Scotiabank Giller Prize. His adeptness at manipulating narrative structures and exploring complex societal issues solidifies his position as a literary talent to watch.
In summary, Patrick’s selections showcase the rich and diverse contributions of Black Canadian authors to the literary landscape, offering readers compelling narratives that challenge conventions and redefine the Canadian literary canon.