Looking for an engaging summer read? Immerse yourself in these captivating historical fiction novels penned by talented Canadian writers.
Elinor Florence’s “Finding Flora” follows Flora, a Scottish immigrant in Canada, as she escapes an abusive marriage to start anew on the Alberta prairie. Alongside her diverse neighbors, Flora forms a united front against challenges, showcasing resilience and community bonds.
“Peggy” by Rebecca Godfrey, co-written with Leslie Jamison, narrates Peggy Guggenheim’s journey from a New York heiress to a prominent figure in the European art scene. The novel delves into Peggy’s struggle to balance family loyalty with her desire for personal freedom, offering a compelling exploration of art and self-discovery.
In “The Paris Express” by Emma Donoghue, readers are transported to late 19th-century France aboard the Granville-Paris express during a fateful journey marred by suspense and intrigue. The diverse cast of passengers, each with their own stories and secrets, converges on a collision course with history during the 1895 French railway disaster.
Jack Wang’s “The Riveter” tells the wartime saga of Josiah Chang, a Chinese Canadian soldier grappling with love, justice, and survival during World War II. Wang’s poignant narrative sheds light on forgotten stories of resilience and resistance.
Kath Jonathan’s “The Resistance Painter” intertwines the lives of two artists across different eras, revealing haunting connections between their pasts and present. Jonathan skillfully navigates themes of art, war, and family legacy in a captivating tale of discovery and revelation.
Anne Fleming’s “Curiosities” weaves a tapestry of witchcraft, love, and truth through the intersecting lives of Joan and Thomasina, the lone survivors of a plague-ravaged village. Fleming’s rich storytelling draws readers into a world of historical mysteries and forbidden desires.
Su Chang’s debut novel, “The Immortal Woman,” delves into themes of identity and heritage as Lin navigates her Chinese immigrant roots amidst her mother’s shifting beliefs and past traumas. The narrative unfolds across timelines, exploring the complexities of family, culture, and personal aspirations.
“The World So Wide” by Zilla Jones follows Felicity Alexander, a mixed-race opera star entangled in the tumult of the 1983 Grenada revolution, offering a poignant reflection on race, love, and societal upheaval. Jones’ sweeping saga delves into decades of personal and political turmoil.
Cheryl Parisien’s “The Unweaving” delves into the struggles of a Métis family in 1869 as they grapple with the impact of impending Confederation on their way of life. Parisien’s narrative reflects on heritage, resilience, and the enduring quest for identity in a changing world.
H. Nigel Thomas’s “A Different Hurricane” explores the clandestine romance between two men in the Caribbean and Montreal, navigating societal pressures and personal revelations that threaten to upend their lives. Thomas’ poignant tale of love and secrecy unfolds against a backdrop of cultural and emotional upheaval.