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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401. Creation by Katherine Govier
Set against the backdrop of the early 19th century, this novel intricately weaves the tale of a young artist's journey to the remote and rugged landscapes of the Canadian Arctic. As he embarks on a quest to capture the raw beauty and untamed spirit of the wilderness, he finds himself grappling with the complexities of his own identity and the profound impact of nature on the human soul. Through encounters with indigenous cultures and the stark realities of survival, the story explores themes of creation, discovery, and the transformative power of art.
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402. Elizabeth And After by Matt Cohen
Set in a small Canadian town, this poignant narrative explores the intertwined lives of two generations grappling with love, loss, and redemption. The story follows the return of a prodigal son who seeks to reconcile with his past and the memory of his deceased mother, whose presence still looms large over the community. As he navigates complex relationships and unearths long-buried secrets, the novel delves into themes of familial bonds, the passage of time, and the enduring impact of personal choices, painting a vivid portrait of rural life and the human condition.
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403. February by Lisa Moore
Set against the backdrop of the tragic 1982 Ocean Ranger oil rig disaster off the coast of Newfoundland, this poignant narrative delves into the life of Helen O'Mara, a widow grappling with the sudden loss of her husband, Cal. As she navigates the complexities of grief and motherhood, the story oscillates between past and present, revealing Helen's enduring resilience and the intricate web of memories that bind her family together. Through evocative prose, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit, capturing the essence of healing and the passage of time.
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404. Forty Words For Sorrow by Giles Blunt
Set in the chilling backdrop of a small Canadian town, the story follows Detective John Cardinal as he grapples with the haunting case of a missing teenager whose body is discovered in the icy wilderness. As Cardinal delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a series of gruesome murders that reveal a sinister pattern, testing his resolve and unearthing personal demons. With the help of his partner, Lise Delorme, Cardinal races against time to catch a cunning killer, all while navigating the complexities of his own troubled past and the secrets that threaten to unravel his life.
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405. Galore by Michael Crummey
Set in a remote Newfoundland fishing village, this novel weaves a tapestry of myth, magic, and the harsh realities of life in a rugged landscape. Spanning over a century, it chronicles the intertwined lives of two families, the Sellers and the Devines, whose fates are forever altered by the mysterious appearance of a man found alive inside the belly of a whale. The story explores themes of love, revenge, and survival, blending folklore with the stark truths of human existence, as generations grapple with the burdens of their ancestors and the relentless forces of nature.
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406. Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King
Set in a fictional Blackfoot community in Alberta, this novel weaves together Native American mythology, contemporary life, and a satirical critique of Western culture. The narrative follows four mythical Native elders who escape from a mental institution to fix the world, intertwining their journey with the lives of several Blackfoot characters, including Lionel, a disillusioned salesman, and Alberta, a woman caught between two lovers. Through a blend of humor, magic realism, and cultural commentary, the story explores themes of identity, tradition, and the interconnectedness of stories and lives.
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407. Half Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan
Set against the backdrop of World War II, this gripping narrative follows the intertwined lives of a group of jazz musicians, navigating the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and survival. The story oscillates between 1939 Berlin and 1992 Europe, unraveling the mystery of a talented young trumpet player of mixed race, whose promising career is abruptly halted by the rise of the Nazi regime. As the characters grapple with the haunting memories of their past, themes of identity, loyalty, and the enduring power of music are explored, painting a vivid picture of a tumultuous era.
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408. Holding Still For As Long As Possible by Zoe Whittall
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Toronto, this novel intricately weaves the lives of three young adults navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and identity. Through the lens of a paramedic, a former teen idol, and a photographer, the narrative explores the challenges of mental health, the fluidity of relationships, and the search for stability in a world that often feels chaotic. As their paths intersect, the characters grapple with their pasts and the uncertainty of their futures, ultimately finding solace and understanding in the connections they forge with one another.
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409. How To Make Love To A Negro Without Getting Tired by Dany Laferriere
Set in the vibrant and gritty backdrop of Montreal, this provocative and satirical novel follows the life of a young Haitian immigrant navigating the complexities of race, identity, and desire. Through a series of candid and humorous encounters, the protagonist explores the intersections of love, sexuality, and cultural stereotypes, offering a raw and insightful commentary on the experiences of a black man in a predominantly white society. The narrative is both a personal journey and a broader reflection on the societal norms and prejudices that shape human relationships.
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410. Kamouraska by Anne Hébert
Set in 19th-century Quebec, this gripping tale weaves a complex narrative of love, betrayal, and murder. The story follows Elisabeth, a woman trapped in a tumultuous marriage with an abusive husband. As she navigates the oppressive societal norms of the time, Elisabeth becomes entangled in a passionate affair with a charismatic doctor. The affair spirals into a plot to murder her husband, leading to a dramatic trial that exposes the dark undercurrents of desire and desperation. Through vivid imagery and psychological depth, the narrative explores themes of freedom, guilt, and the haunting power of memory.
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411. Kiss Of The Fur Queen by Tomson Highway
Set against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness and the vibrant world of Cree culture, this poignant novel follows the lives of two brothers, Jeremiah and Gabriel, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a residential school system designed to erase their Indigenous identity. Through their shared love for music and dance, the brothers find solace and strength, even as they face the harsh realities of cultural assimilation and personal trauma. The narrative weaves together themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of art, offering a profound exploration of the struggle to reclaim one's heritage and the unbreakable bond of family.
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412. Late Nights On Air by Elizabeth Hay
Set against the backdrop of the remote and rugged landscape of Yellowknife in the 1970s, this evocative novel delves into the lives of a group of radio station employees as they navigate personal and professional challenges. The narrative weaves together the stories of Harry, the station manager haunted by past failures; Dido, a mysterious and alluring newcomer; and Gwen, a young woman finding her voice in the world of broadcasting. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, leading to a transformative journey into the wilderness that tests their relationships and reveals the profound impact of the land and the airwaves on their destinies.
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413. Lives Of The Saints by Nino Ricci
Set in a small Italian village during the 1960s, the story follows young Vittorio Innocente as he navigates the complexities of family, tradition, and scandal. His mother, Cristina, becomes the center of gossip and judgment after a mysterious incident involving a snake bite, leading to her ostracization by the community. Through Vittorio's eyes, the narrative explores themes of innocence, morality, and the clash between old-world customs and modernity, painting a vivid picture of rural life and the impact of societal norms on personal identity.
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414. Lost Girls by Andrew Pyper
An Unsolved American Mystery
In a chilling tale set in a small, seemingly idyllic Canadian town, a defense lawyer is drawn into a haunting mystery when he takes on the case of a teacher accused of murdering two young girls. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of dark secrets and supernatural elements that blur the lines between reality and the paranormal. The narrative explores themes of guilt, memory, and the haunting power of the past, all while maintaining a gripping tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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415. Six Metres Of Pavement by Farzana Doctor
Set in the vibrant city of Toronto, this poignant narrative follows the life of Ismail, a middle-aged Indian-Canadian man burdened by a tragic mistake from his past. Haunted by the memory of accidentally leaving his infant daughter in a hot car, Ismail struggles with guilt and isolation, finding solace in the unexpected friendships he forms with Celia, a grieving widow, and Fatima, a spirited young woman seeking independence. As these three individuals navigate their personal challenges, they discover the healing power of community, forgiveness, and the courage to embrace second chances.
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416. Skim by Mariko Tamaki
Set in the early 1990s, this graphic novel follows the introspective journey of a Japanese-Canadian teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence at an all-girls Catholic school. As she grapples with her identity, friendships, and the societal pressures around her, she becomes entangled in the emotional aftermath of a classmate's suicide. Through her diary entries and interactions, the protagonist explores themes of love, loneliness, and self-discovery, ultimately finding solace in unexpected connections and the realization that life is a tapestry of both light and shadow.
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417. Sweetness In The Belly by Camilla Gibb
Set against the backdrop of political upheaval in Ethiopia and the immigrant experience in London, this poignant narrative follows the journey of a young white Muslim woman who grapples with her identity and belonging. Raised in Morocco by her British hippie parents, she finds herself orphaned and eventually makes her way to Ethiopia, where she becomes deeply embedded in the local culture. As she navigates the complexities of love, faith, and displacement, her story unfolds with rich cultural insights and emotional depth, exploring themes of home, community, and the search for personal redemption.
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418. The Amazing Absorbing Boy by Rabindranath Maharaj
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Toronto, this coming-of-age novel follows the journey of Samuel, a young Trinidadian boy who relocates to Canada after the death of his mother. Navigating the complexities of immigrant life, Samuel grapples with cultural dislocation, familial expectations, and the search for identity. Through his eyes, readers experience the bustling cityscape, the challenges of assimilation, and the warmth of unexpected friendships. As Samuel absorbs the world around him, he discovers resilience and hope, ultimately finding his place in a new world while holding onto the essence of his roots.
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419. The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis
In this witty and satirical novel, a disillusioned political aide finds himself reluctantly thrust into the world of Canadian politics when he is tasked with managing a hopeless election campaign in a small-town riding. As he navigates the absurdities of the political landscape, he unexpectedly discovers a candidate with integrity and a genuine desire to serve the public. Amidst the chaos of media scrutiny, party politics, and personal dilemmas, the story unfolds with humor and heart, exploring themes of idealism, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of democracy.
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420. The Bishop's Man by Linden MacIntyre
Set against the backdrop of rural Nova Scotia, this gripping novel follows Father Duncan MacAskill, a Catholic priest known as the "fixer" for his ability to discreetly handle scandals within the church. Tasked with managing the fallout from a series of sexual abuse allegations, MacAskill is sent to a remote parish to lie low. As he grapples with his own past and the moral complexities of his role, he becomes entangled in the lives of the local community, leading to a profound personal crisis. The narrative delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the struggle for truth within a deeply flawed institution.
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421. The Book Of Secrets by M.G. Vassanji
Set against the backdrop of colonial East Africa, this novel intricately weaves together the lives of various characters through the discovery of a mysterious diary. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a retired schoolteacher who becomes engrossed in the diary's contents, revealing a tapestry of love, betrayal, and political intrigue spanning several decades. As the secrets of the past are unearthed, the story explores themes of identity, memory, and the enduring impact of history on personal and collective lives. The diary serves as a conduit, connecting disparate lives and illuminating the complex interplay between personal desires and historical forces.
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422. The Cure For Death By Lightning by Gail Anderson-Dargatz
Set against the backdrop of rural British Columbia during World War II, this coming-of-age novel follows the life of fifteen-year-old Beth Weeks as she navigates the complexities of adolescence amidst a backdrop of family turmoil and mysterious occurrences. As Beth grapples with her father's increasingly erratic behavior and the haunting presence of a bear that seems to embody her fears, she finds solace and strength in the stories and wisdom shared by her Indigenous friend, Nora. Through a tapestry of magical realism, folklore, and the harsh realities of farm life, the narrative explores themes of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling.
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423. The Hero's Walk by Anita Rau Badami
Set in a small coastal town in India, this poignant narrative follows the life of Sripathi Rao, a middle-aged man grappling with the complexities of family, loss, and redemption. After the tragic death of his estranged daughter and her husband in Canada, Sripathi is thrust into the role of caregiver for his seven-year-old granddaughter, Nandana. As he navigates the challenges of raising a child who is a stranger to him, Sripathi confronts his own regrets and the strained relationships within his family. Through a tapestry of vivid characters and cultural nuances, the story explores themes of grief, reconciliation, and the enduring bonds of family.
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424. The Lesser Blessed by Richard Van Camp
Set in the remote town of Fort Simmer in Canada's Northwest Territories, this poignant coming-of-age novel follows the life of Larry Sole, a Dogrib teenager grappling with the complexities of identity, trauma, and belonging. As he navigates the challenges of high school, Larry's world is shaped by his friendships with the charismatic Johnny Beck and the enigmatic Juliet Hope, as well as the haunting memories of a violent past. Through a blend of raw emotion and dark humor, the story explores themes of resilience, cultural heritage, and the search for redemption in the face of adversity.
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425. The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond Of Matches by Gaétan Soucy
Set in a remote and isolated rural area, this haunting tale follows the lives of two siblings who have been raised in seclusion by their authoritarian father. When their father dies unexpectedly, the siblings are thrust into a world they barely understand, leading to a series of shocking revelations about their past and the dark secrets that have shaped their existence. As they navigate the complexities of language, identity, and societal norms, the story delves into themes of innocence, ignorance, and the haunting power of family secrets, all while maintaining an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
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Reading Statistics
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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
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