The Greatest Canadian, Mexican "Fiction" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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  1. 26. Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

    This historical fiction novel centers around the true story of Grace Marks, a 19th-century Irish-Canadian maid who was convicted of the brutal murders of her employer and his housekeeper. The narrative is told from the perspective of Grace herself, as well as a young psychiatrist who is trying to determine whether Grace is truly guilty. The book explores themes of memory, culpability, and the treatment of women in society.

    The 1952nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Surfacing by Margaret Atwood

    The novel follows the journey of a young woman who returns to her childhood home in the Canadian wilderness to search for her missing father, accompanied by her lover and another couple. As she explores her past and grapples with her identity, she undergoes a mental and spiritual breakdown, eventually rejecting her previous life and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness. The narrative explores themes of gender, identity, and the clash between modern society and the natural world.

    The 1996th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Progress of Love by Alice Munro

    "The Progress of Love" is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on love. Set in various locations, from small-town Ontario to post-war Italy, the narratives delve into the lives of different characters as they navigate the intricacies of love, loss, and the human condition. The stories intricately weave together themes of memory, time, and the constant evolution of love, showcasing the author's ability to portray the subtleties of everyday life with profound insight and empathy.

    The 2177th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept by Elizabeth Smart

    The book is a lyrical and intense prose-poem that delves into the depths of the narrator's passionate affair with a married man. It explores the tumultuous emotions of love, jealousy, and despair that accompany an illicit relationship. The narrative is rich with biblical and literary allusions, reflecting the protagonist's internal struggle to reconcile her overwhelming feelings with the moral and societal constraints of her time. The work is known for its poetic language and its raw, honest portrayal of the complexities of love and desire.

    The 2253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel

    "Station Eleven" is a post-apocalyptic novel that revolves around the lives of several characters before and after a devastating flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, exploring the interconnectedness of the characters' lives through their shared memories and experiences. The story also follows a traveling Shakespearean theatre company as they navigate the dangers of a collapsed civilization, emphasizing the importance of art and human connection in times of crisis.

    The 2387th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Runaway by Alice Munro

    "Runaway" is a collection of short stories that explore the depth of human relationships, the complexities of love, and the consequences of life's unpredictable turns. The stories revolve around women of varying ages and circumstances, each dealing with her own unique situation. Some are escaping from their past or present situations, while others are struggling to find their place in the world. The narratives delve into themes like betrayal, loss, and the often complicated dynamics between parents and children, and husbands and wives.

    The 2389th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Diviners by Margaret Laurence

    "The Diviners" is a novel about a woman named Morag Gunn who grows up in small-town Manitoba, Canada, and becomes a successful novelist. The story follows Morag's life from childhood to adulthood, exploring her relationships, struggles, and personal growth. The narrative delves into themes of identity, memory, and the importance of understanding one's past. The protagonist's journey to self-discovery and acceptance is interwoven with the broader cultural and historical context of Canada in the mid-20th century.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Here's to You, Jesusa! by Elena Poniatowska

    This novel tells the story of Jesusa, a woman who experiences the Mexican Revolution, the Cristero War, and the development of the Institutional Revolutionary Party. Through her eyes, readers witness the struggles of poverty, the brutality of war, and the realities of a woman's life in early 20th century Mexico. The protagonist's life is filled with hardship, but she remains resilient, embodying the spirit of the Mexican people during a turbulent time in history.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Tin Flute by Gabrielle Roy

    "The Tin Flute" is a poignant narrative set in the working-class district of Montreal during World War II. The story revolves around a young woman who struggles with poverty and the harsh realities of her life while dreaming of a better future. Despite the harshness of her life, she constantly battles to keep her family together and to find love and happiness, even in the most challenging circumstances. The book vividly portrays the struggles of the working class, the impact of war, and the human spirit's resilience.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Great Victorian Collection by Brian Moore

    "The Great Victorian Collection" is a captivating novel that follows the journey of a wealthy collector who becomes obsessed with acquiring a vast collection of Victorian artifacts. As he delves deeper into his obsession, he becomes entangled in a world of deception, greed, and scandal. Set in the backdrop of 1950s London, this thought-provoking and atmospheric tale explores the dark side of obsession and the consequences it can have on one's life.

    The 2627th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Wars by Timothy Findley

    "The Wars" is a historical novel that follows the life of a young Canadian soldier, Robert Ross, during World War I. The narrative explores Ross's experiences in the war, his struggles with his own morality, and the harsh realities of the battlefield. The book also delves into the psychological impact of war on soldiers, as well as the effects of war on animals, which Ross is particularly sensitive to. Through non-linear storytelling, the novel provides a visceral and poignant commentary on the brutality and senselessness of war.

    The 2748th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Terra Nostra by Carlos Fuentes

    This sprawling, complex novel is a rich tapestry of historical, philosophical, and literary references that explores the identity and culture of Latin America through a fantastical lens. Set primarily in 16th-century Spain during the reign of Philip II, the narrative weaves together the lives of historical figures and fictional characters, blending reality with myth and time travel. The story delves into themes of creation and destruction, the cyclical nature of history, and the quest for a utopian society, all while examining the consequences of colonialism and the search for a Latin American identity that reconciles its indigenous, African, and European heritage. The novel's intricate structure and dense prose challenge the reader to consider the past's impact on the present and future of a region with a tumultuous history.

    The 2932nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Generation X by Douglas Coupland

    The book is a novel that captures the disaffections of young adults growing up in the late 20th century, specifically those born in the late 1950s to the early 1980s. It follows the lives of three friends who have retreated to the California desert to escape the complexities and frustrations of the modern world. Through their stories, the novel explores themes of aimlessness, consumer culture, and the search for authenticity in a society saturated with media and technology. The characters' tales are interspersed with quirky definitions and cartoons that reflect their cynical, yet deeply yearning outlook on life, coining terms and concepts that resonate with a generation struggling to find its identity amidst economic and social uncertainty.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery

    The novel follows the life of Emily Starr, an imaginative young girl who is sent to live with her strict Aunt Elizabeth and kind Aunt Laura at New Moon Farm after her father's death. Despite the challenges she faces in her new home, Emily's creative spirit and love for writing help her navigate her new life. As she grows older, she forms deep friendships and experiences various adventures, all while cultivating her passion for writing and dreaming of one day becoming a published author.

    The 2948th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Nine Guardians by Rosario Castellanos

    "The Nine Guardians" is a poignant novel set in the 1930s in Chiapas, Mexico, during the time of agrarian reforms under President Lázaro Cárdenas. Narrated from the perspective of a young girl from a landowning family, the story explores the profound social and cultural upheavals faced by both the indigenous people and the ruling class as land is redistributed. Through her eyes, readers experience the clash of cultures and the violent struggles over land rights, witnessing the impact of political change on personal and familial relationships. The novel delves deeply into themes of power, race, and identity, providing a rich, emotional, and historically grounded narrative.

    The 2948th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. In Praise Of Older Women by Stephen Vizinczey

    The book is a candid and provocative exploration of the romantic and sexual relationships of a young man, particularly with older, more experienced women. Through a series of intimate encounters and personal reflections, the protagonist embarks on a journey of emotional and sensual education. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Europe, the narrative delves into themes of love, passion, and the complexity of human connections, challenging societal norms and offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics between the sexes and the transformative power of relationships.

    The 2948th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Open Secrets: Stories by Alice Munro

    "Open Secrets: Stories" is a collection of eight short stories that delve into the complex lives of women, exploring themes of love, loss, and the secrets that bind and divide people. Set in various locations, from small-town Ontario to Australia, the stories feature characters grappling with their pasts, negotiating relationships, and confronting the mysteries of life. The narrative oscillates between past and present, revealing the profound and often unsettling truths hidden beneath the surface of ordinary lives.

    The 3063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Years with Laura Diaz by Carlos Fuentes

    "The Years with Laura Diaz" is a historical novel that centers around the life of a woman named Laura Diaz, a member of the Mexican upper class. The book explores the political and social changes in Mexico throughout the 20th century, as seen through Laura's eyes. Her journey includes a loveless marriage, a passionate affair, and a career as a photographer during the Mexican Revolution. The story weaves together personal, political, and cultural threads, creating a rich tapestry of Mexican history and the indomitable spirit of its women.

    The 3063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro

    "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" is a collection of nine short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Each story delves into the intricate web of emotions and experiences that define the human condition, including love, hate, friendship, courtship, and marriage. The characters are rendered with depth and nuance, their lives marked by moments of profound change and subtle transformation. The stories are set against the backdrop of rural and urban landscapes, offering a rich, evocative portrayal of life in all its complexities and contradictions.

    The 3076th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The First Garden by Anne Hébert

    "The First Garden" is a historical fiction novel set in 17th-century Canada. It tells the story of a young woman who is sent to New France (now Quebec) to be a "Filles du roi" or "King's Daughter" - a program where women were sent to marry the men of New France in order to populate the colony. The protagonist struggles to adapt to her new life, facing harsh winters, cultural differences, and the challenges of frontier life while grappling with her feelings for a local trapper. The book explores themes of survival, love, and the clash of cultures.

    The 3382nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. I Heard The Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven

    In this poignant novel, a young vicar is unknowingly sent to a remote Native American village in British Columbia after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Unaware of his fate, he immerses himself in the lives of the Kwakiutl community, learning their traditions, struggles, and the encroaching pressures of the modern world. As he forms deep connections and confronts the meaning of life and death, he experiences a profound personal transformation. The story is a tender exploration of cultural understanding, spiritual growth, and the poignant beauty of human connections in the face of mortality.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Pegnitz Junction by Mavis Gallant

    "The Pegnitz Junction" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the nuances of life's experiences. The narratives, set in various European locales, explore themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time through the eyes of characters often caught between cultures and histories. The title story, which stands out in the collection, focuses on a young girl's coming-of-age during a train journey, symbolizing the transitions and connections that define the human condition. The stories are marked by their psychological depth, sharp observation, and the author's skillful prose, which captures the subtleties of her characters' inner worlds and the intricacies of their interactions with the world around them.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. False Years by Josefina Vicens

    "False Years" is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the passage of time, following the life of a man who grapples with the authenticity of his existence. As he reflects on his past, he questions the decisions he has made and the roles he has played, which seem to him now as mere falsehoods. The narrative delves into the themes of existential angst and the search for self, as the protagonist confronts the dissonance between his inner self and the person he presents to the world. The book challenges readers to consider the masks they wear and the truths they live, making it a poignant study of the human condition.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence

    The novel is a poignant exploration of an elderly woman's life as she reflects on her past with a mixture of pride, bitterness, and regret. The protagonist, a feisty and independent 90-year-old, grapples with her impending death and the loss of her autonomy while recounting her life's journey. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles of growing up in the prairies of Western Canada, her rebellious youth, the challenges of marriage and motherhood, and the weight of societal expectations. The narrative delves into themes of pride, aging, and the search for self-identity, as the protagonist confronts the stone angel monument that serves as a metaphor for her own unyielding nature and emotional isolation.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. City Of Kings by Rosario Castellanos

    "City of Kings" is a poignant exploration of the cultural and social dynamics in a Latin American town, where the indigenous and colonial legacies collide. The narrative delves into the lives of the town's inhabitants, both the oppressed indigenous people and the ruling Spanish descendants, revealing the complexities of power, race, and identity. Through a series of interwoven stories, the novel paints a vivid picture of a society grappling with the remnants of colonialism and the struggle for modernity, exposing the deep-rooted injustices and the characters' quest for dignity and redemption amidst a changing world.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time

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.

Download