The Greatest Canadian, Irish "Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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. Brown Girl In The Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

    Set in a dystopian future Toronto that has been abandoned by the government and cordoned off from the rest of Canada, the novel follows a young, spirited woman of Caribbean descent who must navigate the perilous, gang-ruled cityscape while harnessing her newfound, ancestral spiritual powers. As she grapples with her identity and the demands of the community that relies on her, she is drawn into a dangerous quest to save her dying grandmother and confronts a malevolent spirit. The story is a rich tapestry of Afro-Caribbean culture, folklore, and tradition, exploring themes of resilience, heritage, and the transformative power of love and family.

    The 3721st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Netherland by Joseph O'Neill

    "Netherland" is a post-9/11 novel set in New York City, which explores the life of a Dutch banker named Hans. After his wife and son move back to London, Hans becomes immersed in the world of cricket, where he befriends a charismatic Trinidadian named Chuck Ramkissoon who dreams of building a cricket stadium in the city. The novel is a meditation on the American Dream, identity, and the immigrant experience, all set against the backdrop of a city and a country grappling with a new reality.

    The 3762nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

    In this humorous and cleverly illustrated children's book, a bear searches for his missing hat, asking various animals along the way if they have seen it. As the bear's frustration grows, readers are left to wonder if the bear will ever find his hat and what might happen when he does.

    The 4014th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

    In a land where a ruthless sorcerer has erased the name and history of a once-proud province, a group of rebels fights to reclaim their identity and homeland. The story unfolds in a richly detailed fantasy world where magic and political intrigue intertwine, and the power of memory and the resilience of the human spirit are central themes. The rebels, each with their own personal vendettas and dreams, must navigate complex alliances and confront their own pasts as they strive to restore the name of their province and free it from the grip of tyranny. Their quest is fraught with challenges, as they face not only the sorcerer's formidable powers but also the difficulties of uniting a fractured people under a forgotten banner.

    The 4026th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. De Niro's Game by Rawi Hage

    The novel delves into the lives of two childhood friends navigating the treacherous landscape of war-torn Beirut. As the city crumbles under the weight of the Lebanese Civil War, the young men find themselves drawn into the violence and chaos that surrounds them. One chooses the path of emigration, seeking a new life abroad, while the other becomes embroiled in the militia warfare that dominates the streets. Their friendship is tested by the brutality of their environment, as they grapple with the moral complexities of survival, loyalty, and the devastating impact of conflict on the human spirit.

    The 4083rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Days Without End by Sebastian Barry

    "Days Without End" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of an Irish immigrant who enlists in the U.S. Army in the 1850s. The protagonist's experiences include fighting in the Indian Wars and the Civil War, as well as falling in love with a fellow soldier. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving era of American history.

    The 4376th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald

    "Fall On Your Knees" is a multi-generational saga set in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, that explores themes of family, love, betrayal, and secrets. The story revolves around the Piper family, specifically four sisters, their father James, and their mother Materia. The narrative weaves through time, revealing the family's complex relationships, the impact of racial and cultural tensions, and the dark secrets that have shaped their lives. This novel is a deep exploration of family dynamics, love, and the power of secrets.

    The 4472nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro

    "The Love of a Good Woman" is a collection of eight short stories, each delving into the complex nature of relationships, particularly focusing on women. The narratives explore various themes such as love, betrayal, death, and the often overlooked intricacies of everyday life. Set in small-town Canada, the stories are filled with characters grappling with their desires, secrets, and the unexpected turns of life, offering a profound and nuanced exploration of human behavior and emotions.

    The 4519th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Beauty Of The Husband by Anne Carson

    "The Beauty of the Husband" is a poetic exploration of a failing marriage. Told in 29 tangos, the narrative unfolds the story of a woman who remains in love with her husband despite his numerous infidelities. The husband, a charming and deceitful character, is portrayed as a figure of magnetic attraction and revulsion, with his wife drawn to his charisma and repelled by his dishonesty. The book is a profound examination of love, betrayal, and the complex dynamics of relationships.

    The 4555th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The House Of Splendid Isolation by Edna O'Brien

    The book tells the story of an old woman living in isolation in a grand but dilapidated house in rural Ireland. Her quiet life is disrupted when a fugitive on the run from the law invades her home. As she's forced to coexist with him, she begins to reflect on her own past and the history of the Irish people, leading to a complex exploration of themes such as loneliness, regret, and the struggle for national identity.

    The 4728th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Friend Of My Youth: Stories by Alice Munro

    The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, memory, and the passage of time, often through the lens of women's experiences. Set primarily in small-town Canada, the narratives explore the lives of characters who confront personal betrayals, moral dilemmas, and the subtle yet profound moments that shape their identities. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful use of language, the author weaves tales that reveal the depth and nuance of ordinary life, capturing the universal truths that lie within the particularities of individual stories.

    The 4737th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

    This novel follows the story of a young boy who moves from Berlin to a house near a concentration camp during World War II. Unaware of the grim reality of his surroundings, he befriends another boy on the other side of the camp fence. The two develop a deep friendship despite the horrific circumstances, leading to a devastating and unforgettable ending.

    The 4776th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies

    The novel follows the life of a Toronto doctor who uses his knowledge of medicine and his understanding of human nature to treat his patients. He believes in the healing power of the human spirit and often uses unconventional methods to treat his patients. The narrative is filled with his interesting patients and their stories, as well as his own personal journey. The book also explores themes of spirituality, love, and the complexities of human nature.

    The 5067th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Circle Of Friends by Maeve Binchy

    The novel centers around a group of friends from a small town in Ireland who embark on their university journey in Dublin in the 1950s. As they navigate the complexities of young adulthood, their relationships are tested by love, betrayal, and societal expectations. The story primarily follows the kind-hearted Benny and the beautiful and independent Eve as they form new friendships, confront personal challenges, and experience the pain and joy of first loves. The narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood, capturing the essence of Irish life and the universal intricacies of human connections.

    The 5107th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Disappearing Moon Cafe by Sky Lee

    The novel weaves a multi-generational tale centered around a Chinese-Canadian family in Vancouver, exploring the complexities of identity, gender, and history. As the family's story unfolds, secrets are uncovered, including a mysterious disappearance and a hidden affair, which reveal the intricate ways in which personal and collective histories are intertwined. The narrative delves into the struggles of immigration, the search for belonging, and the impact of past traumas on the present, all set against the backdrop of the eponymous café that serves as a focal point for the community's social and emotional exchanges.

    The 5107th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Lantern Slides by Edna O'Brien

    "Lantern Slides" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of life in Ireland. The narratives, rich with the author's lyrical prose, explore themes of love, loss, and the struggles of the human condition. Through a tapestry of vivid characters, from young girls to old men, the stories capture the nuances of Irish society, its traditions, and the transformative power of storytelling itself. The book serves as a poignant reflection on the bittersweet nature of existence, where moments of joy and sorrow are intertwined, much like the ephemeral images of a lantern slide show.

    The 5107th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Child Of Her People by Anne Cameron

    "Child of Her People" is a poignant narrative that delves into the life of a young Indigenous girl who is taken from her family and community under the guise of education and assimilation. The story unfolds in Canada during a time when Indigenous children were forcibly placed in residential schools, a practice rooted in colonial policies aimed at eradicating Indigenous cultures and languages. The novel explores the girl's struggle to maintain her identity and the deep sense of loss and resilience that comes with being torn from one's heritage. Through her journey, the book sheds light on the broader impact of cultural genocide on Indigenous communities, while also celebrating the strength and survival of Indigenous peoples and their traditions.

    The 5175th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

    "Crow Lake" is a compelling novel that explores the dynamics of a rural Canadian family dealing with tragedy. After the death of their parents, the Morrison children struggle to stay together and maintain their family farm. The story is narrated by the youngest daughter, who is now a successful zoologist, reflecting back on her childhood. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, survival, and the power of education, all set against the backdrop of the harsh, yet beautiful, northern Ontario landscape.

    The 5368th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. City of Bohane by Kevin Barry

    Set in the year 2053, the book is a dystopian tale about the city of Bohane, a place filled with vice, violence, and tribal warfare. The city is controlled by a gangster named Logan Hartnett, who is challenged by his estranged wife Macu and her lover, a rival gang leader. The narrative is filled with colorful characters, rich language, and a unique blend of futuristic and archaic elements, creating a vivid, darkly comic vision of a future Ireland.

    The 5475th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry

    This novel delves into the complexities of family life in Bombay, exploring the challenges and emotional turmoil within a small, crowded apartment that becomes a battleground of generational conflict. At the heart of the story is an elderly patriarch whose declining health necessitates care, leading to tensions and revealing the deep-seated resentments and secrets that threaten to tear the family apart. Through a rich tapestry of characters and meticulously detailed narrative, the book presents a poignant examination of duty, love, and the strains that familial obligations impose on individual desires and dreams, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Indian society.

    The 5489th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton

    Chanda's Secrets is a poignant story set in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the protagonist, a sixteen-year-old girl, grapples with the harsh reality of AIDS in her community. The novel explores the stigma and fear associated with the disease, as well as the courage and resilience of its characters. The protagonist's unwavering determination to keep her family together, despite societal pressures and personal tragedy, forms the crux of the narrative.

    The 5633rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. How Should a Person Be? by Sheila Heti

    This novel is a semi-autobiographical exploration of friendship, art, and the question posed by the title. The protagonist, a young playwright, struggles with her art and personal life, navigating complicated relationships and seeking answers about how to live a good and meaningful life. The narrative blends elements of fiction, memoir, self-help, and philosophy, resulting in a unique and thought-provoking exploration of identity, creativity, and the human condition.

    The 5683rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Selected Stories by William Trevor

    "Selected Stories" is a collection of short stories by acclaimed author William Trevor. The book features some of Trevor's most memorable and haunting tales, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. With his signature style of understated elegance and quiet, observant prose, Trevor creates characters that are both ordinary and extraordinary, capturing the subtle nuances of their lives and the emotions that drive them. From the Irish countryside to London's bustling streets, these stories offer a glimpse into the human experience and the ways in which we navigate the world around us.

    The 5818th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Discerner Of Hearts by Olive Senior

    "Discerner of Hearts" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of life in Jamaica, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and transformation. The stories are set against a backdrop of rich Jamaican landscapes and culture, capturing the unique blend of societal norms and the supernatural that characterize the local folklore. Through a variety of characters, from young children to old men and women, the narratives reveal the inner workings of human hearts and the external forces that shape personal destinies. The collection highlights the profound impact of heritage and the powerful role of the unseen in everyday life.

    The 5843rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Skystone (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 1) by Jack Whyte

    The novel is a historical fiction that reimagines the Arthurian legends, delving into the life of Publius Varrus, a Roman soldier, and his friend Caius Britannicus. Set during the decline of the Roman Empire, the story follows their efforts to establish a colony in Britain, Camulod, as a sanctuary against the chaos of the crumbling civilization. The narrative weaves together themes of loyalty, warfare, and the forging of Excalibur, the legendary sword, against a backdrop of political intrigue and the struggle to preserve knowledge and culture in a time of uncertainty and transition.

    The 6118th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

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