Ever wondered what makes a book a classic? Let’s delve into it.
“A classic novel, to me, reveals universal truths,” mentioned Ryan B. Patrick, senior producer at CBC Books, during an episode of The Next Chapter. He emphasized themes like love versus loss, identity quest, power struggles, and the eternal battle between good and evil.
According to Patrick, a classic novel is timeless, offering new perspectives with each reading at different stages of life. It unfolds layers of meaning that evolve with one’s own experiences.
He identified three books by Black Canadian authors – What We All Long For, by Dionne Brand, Fifteen Dogs, by André Alexis, and You’ve Changed, by Ian Williams as potential modern classics.
Redefining the Canadian literary landscape
Patrick’s first pick, What We All Long For, by Dionne Brand, won the 2006 National Book Award.
This novel portrays the lives of second-generation Canadians in Toronto navigating the complexities of urban existence. Patrick praised Brand for presenting a real and immediate Canadian narrative, especially from a Black diasporic perspective.
Brand, a highly acclaimed queer Black artist, has made significant contributions to Canadian literature for over four decades. Her accolades include the 1997 Governor General’s Literary Award for poetry and the 2019 Blue Metropolis Violet Literary Prize.
A gripping tale that resonates
Patrick’s next choice, Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis, won the prestigious Canada Reads 2017 and the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize.
The novel explores the repercussions of granting human intelligence to 15 dogs by two Greek gods, leading to an intriguing philosophical discourse on consciousness. Alexis’s unique storytelling style captivates readers with its blend of philosophy and engaging narratives.
Patrick commended Alexis for reshaping the portrayal of the Black Canadian experience in literature, through his ability to infuse profound themes into compelling stories.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Alexis’s literary achievements include multiple award-winning novels like Childhood, Pastoral, and Days by Moonlight.
