In exploring the criteria for a book to achieve classic status, Ryan B. Patrick, senior producer at CBC Books, emphasizes the importance of uncovering universal truths such as love versus loss, the quest for identity, and the battle between good and evil. According to him, a classic novel is one that offers new insights upon each read at different stages of life, revealing layers of meaning that evolve with personal experiences.
Patrick identifies three works by Black Canadian authors that he believes either are already modern classics or have the potential to become one. These 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 novel, “What We All Long For,” Patrick praises its realistic portrayal of four second-generation Canadians navigating life in Toronto, diverging from traditional Canadian wilderness themes to focus on urban and Black diasporic experiences. Brand, a highly acclaimed queer Black writer, has received numerous awards for her contributions to literature, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Blue Metropolis Violet Literary Prize.
Moving on to André Alexis’s “Fifteen Dogs,” Patrick highlights its unique premise involving Greek gods granting human intelligence to a group of dogs, leading to a philosophical exploration of consciousness and individual responses to newfound awareness. He commends Alexis for his ability to blend complex ideas with engaging narratives, reshaping the Black Canadian literary landscape.
Lastly, Ian Williams’s “You’ve Changed” delves into the complexities of marriage, change, and race dynamics within a couple’s relationship. Patrick admires Williams’s innovative approach to storytelling, particularly his manipulation of form and structure to enhance the narrative’s impact. Williams, an English professor and award-winning author, is recognized for his versatility across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry genres.
Overall, these three works by Black Canadian authors redefine the traditional canon of Canadian literature by offering fresh perspectives, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking themes that resonate with readers across different backgrounds and generations.