What qualities elevate a book to the status of a classic? If you’ve ever pondered this question, we have the answers for you.
According to Ryan B. Patrick, senior producer at CBC Books, a classic novel delves into universal truths such as love versus loss, the quest for identity, power struggles, and the eternal battle of good versus evil. He believes that a classic novel resonates across different ages, offering new perspectives and unveiling deeper meanings with each reading.
Patrick highlights three books by Black Canadian authors that he considers modern classics or future classics. These include Dionne Brand’s “What We All Long For,” André Alexis’s “Fifteen Dogs,” and Ian Williams’s “You’ve Changed.”
First on the list is Dionne Brand’s “What We All Long For,” which won the 2006 National Book Award. The novel follows the lives of four second-generation Canadians navigating the complexities of urban Toronto. Patrick commends Brand for her authentic portrayal of Canadian urban life, particularly from a Black diasporic perspective, challenging traditional notions of Canadian literature.
Next is André Alexis’s “Fifteen Dogs,” winner of the 2017 Canada Reads and the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize. Patrick praises the book for its philosophical exploration of consciousness through the lens of 15 dogs granted human intelligence by Greek gods. He admires Alexis’s skill in blending complex philosophical themes with engaging narratives.
Lastly, Ian Williams’s “You’ve Changed” is lauded for its potential to become a modern classic, despite its recent release. The novel delves into the complexities of marriage and race dynamics, showcasing Williams’s adeptness in experimenting with form and structure to convey powerful storytelling.
Each of these authors, Brand, Alexis, and Williams, brings a unique perspective to the Canadian literary landscape, redefining what it means to be a Black Canadian writer in the context of contemporary literature. Their works offer readers thought-provoking insights and engaging narratives that resonate across diverse audiences and generations.