best canadian indigenous novels

One of the well - known ones is 'Monkey Beach' by Eden Robinson. It weaves together elements of Haisla culture and supernatural elements in a really engaging story.

Cherie Dimaline's 'The Marrow Thieves' is quite popular. It's set in a future where the world has been ravaged, and the ability to dream has been lost to most people, but indigenous people still have this ability, so they are hunted for it. It's a dystopian novel that also explores themes of cultural survival.

There are stories about the North Star as well. For indigenous Canadians, the North Star was a guiding star. It was crucial for navigation during long travels, especially in the vast landscapes of Canada. The stories associated with it not only told of its practical use but also its spiritual significance. It was seen as a constant in the ever - changing sky, much like certain values were constants in their cultures.

Canadian indigenous star stories reflect their culture by passing on knowledge. For example, stories about star patterns were used to teach about seasons. If a certain constellation was visible, it signaled the time for a particular activity like fishing or planting. This shows how they were closely tied to nature.

They also tend to focus on cultural preservation and the passing down of traditions. These novels may tell stories of how indigenous cultures have survived despite colonization and assimilation attempts. A good example is how they might depict traditional ceremonies and the significance of family within the indigenous community.

Some of the well - known Canadian novels could include 'Anne of Green Gables' by Lucy Maud Montgomery. It tells the story of an orphan girl, Anne, with red hair and a vivid imagination. Another one might be 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood which is a dystopian novel that has gained international acclaim for its exploration of a totalitarian society where women are subjugated. Also, 'Alias Grace' by Atwood is often considered among the greats, which delves into the story of a real - life 19th - century Canadian murderess.

Culturally, the loss of language and traditions during the Residential School era still affects the communities today. Many Indigenous languages are on the verge of extinction because they were not allowed to be spoken in the schools. It has been a struggle to revive them. Also, traditional cultural practices were disrupted and it has taken a long time to try and restore some of them.

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.

A great Canadian novel is 'Fifth Business' by Robertson Davies. It's a complex exploration of a man's life, his relationships, and his search for meaning. It weaves together elements of history, psychology, and mythology. 'The Diviners' by Margaret Laurence is also a top - notch Canadian novel. It tells the story of a young woman's journey of self - discovery in the Canadian prairies, dealing with issues such as family, identity, and the past. 'The Stone Diaries' by Carol Shields is another excellent one. It chronicles the life of an ordinary woman in a way that is both deeply moving and full of insights about the human condition.

One of the best is 'The Invisible Library' by Genevieve Cogman. It has a unique concept of a library that exists across different realities. Another great one is 'Brown Girl in the Ring' by Nalo Hopkinson which combines Caribbean folklore with a post - apocalyptic Toronto setting. And 'The Bone Cage' by Angie Abdou is also highly regarded, exploring themes of athleticism and self - discovery within a fantasy framework.