What is considered the first Canadian novel?

Some scholars consider 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes as the first modern novel. Published in 1605, it features a self - aware protagonist who is in conflict with the world around him. It also uses humor and satire to comment on society, and has a complex narrative structure that was quite innovative for its time.

Another work that could be considered is 'Our Lady of the Flowers' by Jean Genet. It is a very complex and often controversial work. Genet was a gay writer, and this novel, with its exploration of gay subculture and homoerotic relationships, has been noted for its early and bold representation of gay themes.

Many consider 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett as one of the first noir novels. It has all the classic elements like a tough private detective, complex characters, and a seedy underworld setting.

One of the contenders for the first Chinese novel is 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'. It is a historical novel that depicts the power struggles among the three kingdoms in Chinese history. It has complex characters, intricate plots, and has had a profound impact on Chinese literature and culture.

The 'Epic of Gilgamesh' is often regarded as one of the first ever novels. It dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. It tells the story of Gilgamesh, a king who embarks on various adventures and quests for immortality. This work contains elements such as character development, a plot with multiple events, and themes that are still relevant today, like the search for meaning and the relationship between humans and the divine.

Some might argue that 'Tristram Shandy' by Laurence Sterne could be considered an early form of postmodern novel, even though it was written long before the term 'postmodern' was coined. It plays with the conventions of the novel, has a highly self - conscious narrator, and disrupts the normal flow of storytelling, all of which are postmodern traits.

The first Japanese novel is 'The Tale of Genji'. It's significant not only in Japanese literature but also globally. It has complex characters and themes like love, jealousy, and the passage of time. Its narrative structure and the way it delves into human nature make it a classic that has influenced many other works of literature over the centuries.

Some might also point to 'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf. Published in 1928 as well, it features a character who changes gender over time. While not as explicitly LGBT in the modern sense, it challenges gender norms and can be seen as an important precursor to more directly LGBT - themed works. It uses a fantastical story to explore concepts of identity and gender fluidity.

There are other works from different cultures as well that could be argued as among the first. For example, in Chinese literature, 'The Carnal Prayer Mat' by Li Yu has homoerotic elements, though it is a complex work that encompasses many aspects of sexuality and relationships in a broader sense.

Some might also point to works like 'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf. Although it's not strictly a 'lesbian novel' in the most straightforward sense, it contains elements of gender fluidity and same - sex attraction. It was published in 1928 as well. Woolf's exploration of the character Orlando, who changes gender over time, can be seen as a precursor to more modern understandings of queer identities.