The Greatest Books of All Time Set in Canada
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
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The "Canada" category for books would encompass literature that is set in, written by, or about Canada and its people. This category would include a wide range of genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and memoirs, and would explore various themes related to Canadian culture, history, and identity. Books in this category would offer readers a unique perspective on Canada and its diverse communities, landscapes, and experiences.
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1. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Set in a dystopian future, this novel presents a society where women are stripped of their rights and are classified into various roles based on their fertility and societal status. The protagonist is a handmaid, a class of women used solely for their reproductive capabilities by the ruling class. The story is a chilling exploration of the extreme end of misogyny, where women are reduced to their biological functions, and a critique of religious fundamentalism.
The 132nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
This book tells the story of a domesticated dog named Buck who is stolen from his home in California and sold into service as a sled dog in Alaska. As he faces harsh conditions and brutal treatment, Buck must learn to adapt to the wild and harsh environment, ultimately reverting to his ancestral instincts in order to survive. The book explores themes of nature versus nurture, civilization versus wilderness, and the struggle for dominance.
The 230th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
The book follows the life of a young orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly brother and sister who originally wanted to adopt a boy to help them with their farm in Prince Edward Island. Despite the initial disappointment, the girl's charm, vivacity, and imagination soon win over her new guardians. The story details her adventures and mishaps in her new home, her struggles and triumphs at school, and her gradual maturing into a smart, independent young woman.
The 250th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
The novel follows the story of a depressed and overweight man who moves with his two daughters to his ancestral home in Newfoundland, Canada, after his unfaithful wife dies in a car accident. There, he begins to rebuild his life, working as a reporter for the local newspaper, The Shipping News, and learning about the harsh realities of the fishing industry. As he delves into his family's history, he begins to find a sense of belonging and a new love. The story explores themes of family, identity, and the power of place.
The 488th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
"The English Patient" is a story of four diverse individuals brought together at an Italian villa during the final days of World War II. The narrative revolves around a severely burned man who can't remember his name or past, a young Canadian nurse who tends to him, a Sikh British Army sapper, and a Canadian thief. As they navigate their own traumas and losses, the past of the mysterious patient slowly unravels, revealing a tale of love, identity, and betrayal.
The 644th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
This novel presents an alternate history where aviator-hero and rabid isolationist Charles Lindbergh is elected President in 1940, leading the United States towards fascism and anti-Semitism. The story is narrated through the perspective of a working-class Jewish family in Newark, New Jersey, experiencing the political shift and its terrifying consequences. The narrative explores themes of prejudice, fear, patriotism, and family bonds under the shadow of a fascist regime.
The 918th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
7. Lives of Girls and Women by Alice Munro
"Lives of Girls and Women" is a coming-of-age story about a young girl growing up in a small town in Canada during the 1940s. The novel explores the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery and understanding of the world around her. The protagonist grapples with societal expectations, familial relationships, and her own burgeoning sexuality, all while navigating the complexities of adolescence and the transition into adulthood. The book offers a profound exploration of the female experience, delving into themes of gender, identity, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships.
The 933rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
A young Indian boy named Pi Patel survives a shipwreck and finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Over the course of 227 days, Pi uses his knowledge of animal behavior and survival skills to coexist with the tiger, ultimately leading to an unusual and deeply spiritual journey. The story explores themes of faith, survival, and the interpretation of reality.
The 1142nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
The novel is a complex narrative that weaves together the story of two sisters in early 20th century Canada, one of whom publishes a scandalous novel that leads to her suicide. The surviving sister, now an elderly woman, reflects on their lives, revealing family secrets, heartbreak, and the truth behind the scandalous novel. The narrative is interspersed with excerpts from the controversial book, a science fiction story within a story, adding layers of intrigue and mystery.
The 1261st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
10. Selected Stories of Alice Munro by Alice Munro
This collection of short stories offers a comprehensive view of the author's narrative talent, showcasing her ability to create complex characters and situations that reflect the human condition. Set in various locations, from small Canadian towns to exotic foreign locales, each story delves into the intricate relationships, personal struggles, and quiet triumphs of its characters. The author's writing is marked by her keen observation, psychological insight, and the ability to convey the extraordinary within the ordinary, making each story a unique exploration of life's complexities.
The 1285th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
11. The Emigrants by W. G. Sebald
"The Emigrants" is a novel that explores the experiences and memories of four different emigrants, each with a unique and complex history. The narrative primarily focuses on the psychological impact of displacement and the haunting nature of the past. The author delves deep into their lives, revealing their struggles with identity, loss, and the persistent influence of their roots. The narrative is interwoven with historical events, photographs, and other documents, creating a rich tapestry that blurs the line between fact and fiction.
The 1344th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
12. Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel
"Station Eleven" is a post-apocalyptic novel that revolves around the lives of several characters before and after a devastating flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, exploring the interconnectedness of the characters' lives through their shared memories and experiences. The story also follows a traveling Shakespearean theatre company as they navigate the dangers of a collapsed civilization, emphasizing the importance of art and human connection in times of crisis.
The 1381st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
13. Runaway by Alice Munro
"Runaway" is a collection of short stories that explore the depth of human relationships, the complexities of love, and the consequences of life's unpredictable turns. The stories revolve around women of varying ages and circumstances, each dealing with her own unique situation. Some are escaping from their past or present situations, while others are struggling to find their place in the world. The narratives delve into themes like betrayal, loss, and the often complicated dynamics between parents and children, and husbands and wives.
The 1563rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
14. To Build A Fire by Jack London
This story unfolds in the harsh, unforgiving landscape of the Yukon Territory, where a man, accompanied only by a dog, embarks on a journey to meet his companions at a mining camp. Despite warnings about the perilous cold, he underestimates nature's power and his own vulnerability. As he struggles to survive against the extreme temperatures, his journey becomes a gripping tale of human resilience and the instinctual will to live. The narrative reaches its climax when he attempts to build a fire, a critical moment that tests his survival skills and ultimately reflects on the human condition and our place in the natural world.
The 1567th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
15. Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
The novel follows the life of Dunstan Ramsay, a man haunted by a childhood accident that he believes he caused. The book explores his guilt and its impact on his life, as well as his relationships with others, including a woman he loves but cannot have, a brilliant but troubled friend, and a saintly fool. Throughout his life, Ramsay seeks redemption and understanding in the realms of history, mythology, and religion.
The 1571st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
16. White Fang by Jack London
The novel tells the story of a wolf-dog hybrid named White Fang, who endures harsh conditions in the Yukon during the 19th-century Klondike Gold Rush. The narrative follows White Fang's journey from a life in the wild to domestication. He experiences cruelty and brutality from both nature and humans, but eventually finds kindness and compassion with a man who rescues him from a dog-fighting ring. The book explores themes of survival, nature versus nurture, and redemption.
The 1606th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
17. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
This novel revolves around the life of a controversial painter, Elaine Risley, who returns to her hometown, Toronto, for a retrospective of her art. Haunted by her past, she reminisces about her childhood and the complex relationships she had, especially with her best friend Cordelia. The story delves into themes of memory, identity, and the often painful experiences of childhood and adolescence. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates through the complexities of female friendship, bullying, and the struggle to fit in.
The 1649th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
18. The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields
The novel follows the life of Daisy Goodwill Flett, a seemingly ordinary woman, from her birth in Canada in 1905 to her death. It explores her experiences as a mother, wife, and widow, as well as her work as a gardener and her later years as a columnist. The book is unique in that it is written in a variety of styles including letters, diary entries, and third-person narrative, and it explores themes of identity, love, and the often overlooked lives of women.
The 1697th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
19. Who Do You Think You Are? by Alice Munro
Stories
"Who Do You Think You Are?" is a collection of short stories that follow the life of a woman named Rose from her childhood in rural Ontario through her adulthood as she navigates the complexities of relationships, personal identity, and social class. The stories explore themes of self-discovery, the nature of memory, and the impact of personal history on one's present. The narrative is a deep exploration of the human condition, revealing the intricacies of the protagonist's experiences, emotions, and perceptions.
The 1765th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
20. The Deptford Trilogy by Robertson Davies
"The Deptford Trilogy" is a series of interconnected novels that explore the life of a man from a small Canadian town named Deptford, and the ripple effects of a single childhood event that shaped the lives of three boys. The narrative weaves themes of love, guilt, art, and the complexity of human nature. The story is told from multiple perspectives and spans several decades, providing a deep exploration of the characters' psychological and spiritual development.
The 1800th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
21. The Engineer of Human Souls by Josef Škvorecký
An Entertainment on the Old Themes of Life, Women, Fate, Dreams, The Working Class, Secret Agents, Love and Death
The novel is a semi-autobiographical narrative of a Czechoslovakian writer who has become a professor at a Canadian university, teaching American literature. The narrative switches between his current life in Canada and his memories of the past in Czechoslovakia, including the Nazi occupation and the Communist regime. The book presents a complex portrayal of the life of an intellectual in exile and the challenges of cultural assimilation, while also exploring themes of love, politics, and the power of literature.
The 1824th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
22. Obasan by Joy Kogawa
The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of a Japanese-Canadian woman named Naomi, who reflects on her experiences during World War II. As a child, Naomi was forced into internment along with thousands of other Japanese-Canadians, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The narrative explores the themes of racism, identity, silence, and the power of memory, as Naomi grapples with the trauma of her past and the impact of her cultural heritage on her present life.
The 1890th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
23. The Diviners by Margaret Laurence
"The Diviners" is a novel about a woman named Morag Gunn who grows up in small-town Manitoba, Canada, and becomes a successful novelist. The story follows Morag's life from childhood to adulthood, exploring her relationships, struggles, and personal growth. The narrative delves into themes of identity, memory, and the importance of understanding one's past. The protagonist's journey to self-discovery and acceptance is interwoven with the broader cultural and historical context of Canada in the mid-20th century.
The 1904th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
24. Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather
Set in the late 17th century, the novel explores the lives of French colonists in Quebec City. It focuses on the daily experiences of a French apothecary and his young daughter, illuminating their struggles and joys as they navigate the harsh realities of frontier life. The narrative delves into themes of faith, identity, and the human spirit's resilience, offering an intimate portrait of early colonial life in North America.
The 2139th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
25. Surfacing by Margaret Atwood
The novel follows the journey of a young woman who returns to her childhood home in the Canadian wilderness to search for her missing father, accompanied by her lover and another couple. As she explores her past and grapples with her identity, she undergoes a mental and spiritual breakdown, eventually rejecting her previous life and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness. The narrative explores themes of gender, identity, and the clash between modern society and the natural world.
The 2174th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Reading Statistics
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