What qualities define a book as 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 is one that reveals universal truths. Themes such as love versus loss, the quest for identity, power struggles, and the battle between good and evil characterize these timeless works.
Patrick identifies three books by Black Canadian authors that he believes are modern classics or have the potential to become so. These books include Dionne Brand’s “What We All Long For,” André Alexis’s “Fifteen Dogs,” and Ian Williams’s “You’ve Changed.”
Regarding Dionne Brand’s “What We All Long For,” which won the 2006 National Book Award, Patrick describes it as a realistic portrayal of four second-generation Canadians navigating life in Toronto. He praises Brand for offering a fresh perspective on Canadian literature by focusing on urban, Black diasporic experiences.
André Alexis’s “Fifteen Dogs,” the winner of Canada Reads 2017 and the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize, explores the philosophical concept of consciousness through a unique premise involving Greek gods granting human intelligence to 15 dogs. Patrick commends Alexis for seamlessly integrating complex philosophical ideas into an engaging narrative.
Ian Williams’s “You’ve Changed,” though relatively new, is lauded by Patrick for its potential to become a modern classic. The novel delves into the complexities of marriage and race, showcasing Williams’s skill in playing with structure and form to convey profound themes.
Each of these authors brings a distinct perspective to Canadian literature, redefining the Black Canadian experience through their thought-provoking works.
