Sunday, November 20, 2005

Canada's most important books

This week the Literary Review of Canada chose 100 books that are supposedly the "most important Canadian books ever written" (all quotations are from Friday's Citizen). I am shocked that only 33 of the hundred were fiction titles; it seems that fiction influencs a culture much more than non-fiction at times. However, the list was constructed based on "the work's impact on the Canadian landscape." Though a book cannot have an actual effect on a physical landscape, I'm sure the editors meant "cultural" landscape. Well, I can't disagree. Three quarters of the list I have never even heard of, let alone read. Is this a list of important books to read? Hardly. Who wants to read Account of the Second Voyage of the Navigation of 1535 and 1536? It is certainly not light reading. It may have been the first text to mention Canada by name but it will only be important in terms of its impact then, not now. One author remarks that "The chosen books look like the backbone of Canada, both historically and in terms of shaping and reflecting culture." I agree. Historically. Why is the Literary Review of Canada dabbling in such a list? There are textbooks, biographies, hockey instruction manuals and even government reports. The Massey Commission has an entry but Michael Ondaatje does not. This would be a good reading list for those doing a degree in Canadian History. Maybe someday the Literary Review will publish a list for those who like to read for fun.

1 comment:

The Offensive Coordinator said...

Reading for fun? You sicko.