Stop Sleeping on CanLit Dammit!

TL;DR

The speaker reflects on their aversion to certain literary genres but discovers the excellence of Canadian fiction through the Giller Prize longlist.

Transcript

i think everyone has a booze that is their absolute alcohol kryptonite it's that drink that you may have over indulged in in your reckless high school days and now you simply can't stand i have friends that can't smell southern comfort without wanting to gag or jack daniels even decades later still gives them wet mouth and i think there's bookish e... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Certain books, like Shakespeare's works and "The Great Gatsby," can create aversions to literary fiction.
• ❓ The Giller Prize longlist showcases the excellence of Canadian fiction.
• 📔 Standout books from the longlist include "Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club," "Reproduction," "The Innocence," and "Greenwood."
• ❓ "Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club" explores themes of misogyny and abuse.
• 🧍 "Greenwood" stands out for its unique structure and focus on nature.
• 🫠 Books from the Giller Prize longlist offer diverse and compelling reads.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does the speaker believe that Shakespeare's works and "The Great Gatsby" turn people off from literary fiction?

The speaker believes that being forced to read these works in high school creates a negative association, leading people to avoid literary fiction as a whole. The disdain for certain drinks is compared to the aversion to these books.

Q: What books from the Giller Prize longlist does the speaker recommend?

The speaker recommends "Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club" by Megan Gail Kohl, "Reproduction" by Ian Williams, "The Innocence" by Michael Crummey, and "Greenwood" by Michael Christie as standout books from the longlist.

Q: What themes and topics are explored in "Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club"?

The book explores themes of misogyny, abuse, rape, and silent complicity through the lens of an upscale restaurant called The Hazel in downtown St. John's, Newfoundland.

Q: What is unique about Michael Christie's "Greenwood"?

"Greenwood" is praised for its ambitious structure and storytelling technique, which moves back and forth in time, leaving room for mysteries and connections to be made. The book focuses on the theme of nature and centers around trees.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker discusses how certain books, like Shakespearean plays and Canadian fiction, have turned people off from literary fiction entirely.

• They share their personal experience of discovering the excellence of Canadian fiction through the Giller Prize longlist.

• They highlight specific books from the longlist, such as "Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club" by Megan Gail Kohl, "Reproduction" by Ian Williams, "The Innocence" by Michael Crummey, and "Greenwood" by Michael Christie.