Many Canadian classic novels have strong female protagonists. 'The Handmaid's Tale' features Offred, a woman trying to survive in a misogynistic regime. And in 'The Diviners', Morag Gunn is a complex and independent female character. Also, these novels tend to explore the sense of identity, whether it's national, cultural, or personal, as Canada has a unique history of colonization and multiculturalism.
Canadian classic novels can be quite experimental in their narrative styles. 'As for Me and My House' uses an unreliable narrator to tell the story, which adds depth and mystery. They also often touch on social and historical issues. 'The Handmaid's Tale' is a commentary on the potential threats to women's rights and the abuse of power, while other novels may deal with the experiences of settlers, indigenous peoples, and the development of Canadian society over time.
Many classic Canadian novels have a strong sense of place. The Canadian landscape, whether it's the vast prairies, the rugged mountains, or the cold northern regions, often plays a significant role in the stories. In 'Who Has Seen the Wind', the prairie setting is almost like a character itself, influencing the protagonist's growth and understanding of the world. Also, they tend to incorporate Canadian history, like the relationship between different ethnic groups which can be seen in 'Two Solitudes'.
A lot of Canadian novels are known for their strong character development. In 'In the Skin of a Lion' by Michael Ondaatje, the characters are complex and multi - faceted, with their own dreams, traumas, and desires. Their stories unfold against the backdrop of building Toronto, which also gives a sense of place and history.
Canadian spy novels often incorporate the country's unique geography. For example, the vast wilderness can be used as a backdrop for secret operations or hiding places. They also tend to explore themes of loyalty and identity, as Canada has a complex cultural and political landscape.
Canadian detective novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, many are set in small towns or rural areas, which gives a unique backdrop to the mystery. The characters tend to be complex and often deal with issues related to Canadian society, like multiculturalism or the relationship between the indigenous and non - indigenous populations.
Many best Canadian novels often deal with themes related to the Canadian identity. For example, they might explore the vast and diverse landscapes of Canada, like the frozen tundras in the north or the idyllic rural areas. They also tend to focus on the experiences of different ethnic groups within Canada, given its multicultural nature. For instance, novels may depict the struggles and triumphs of immigrants as they adapt to a new life in Canada.
Canadian romance novels often feature the unique Canadian landscapes as a backdrop. For example, the cold winters, vast forests or beautiful coastlines can play important roles in the stories.
Canadian mystery novels often feature unique Canadian settings like small towns, vast wilderness areas, or big cities such as Toronto or Montreal. These settings add to the atmosphere of the mystery. For example, the cold and snowy landscapes can create a sense of isolation which is great for building suspense.
They also tend to explore complex themes. Canadian society is multicultural, and this is reflected in the fantasy novels. Authors may deal with themes such as identity, belonging, and the clash between different cultures or ways of life. This can be seen in novels where characters from different magical or non - magical backgrounds interact and have to find their place in the world.
The use of unique literary styles is also a feature. Some new Canadian authors experiment with narrative structures, mixing different time periods or using multiple narrators. This helps to create a rich and engaging reading experience, as it allows readers to see events from different perspectives and understand the complexity of the stories being told.
Canadian horror novels are known for their psychological depth. They often make you question the sanity of the characters and your own perception of reality. Take 'Bird Box' for instance. The idea of not being able to see the threat but knowing it's there really messes with your mind. Another aspect is the cultural diversity that is sometimes reflected. Canada is a multicultural country and some horror novels may incorporate different cultural beliefs and superstitions into the horror narrative. Additionally, the use of rural and small - town settings is prominent. These settings are ripe for creating a sense of claustrophobia and the feeling that there's no escape from the horror that lurks within.