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Canada is primarily famous for its spectacular sights, ice hockey, maple syrup, and extreme politeness. However, if you are a literature lover, you’ll be excited to learn about the craziest Canadian books you must read.
Canadian authors have gifted the world with some of the most delightful Canadian novels, collections of poetry, and short stories, along with a glimpse of the rich and vast history of Canada.
The literary works of Canada are multicultural. The language varies from indigenous to English, from French to Gaelic. Among the most notable writers of Canadian authors of best Canadian novels, stories and books are Margaret Atwood, L.M.
Montgomery, Alice Munro, Michael Ondaatje, Lawrence Hill, Robertson Davies, Dionne Brand, and many more. To fully explore the craziest Canadian Books, you must read these 57.
Interested? Let’s Begin.
57 Wild Canadian Reads For You To Enjoy
Your journey as a reader will never be complete unless you read these books about Canada. So get ready to be amazed by the world of unique and craziest Canadian books!
1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid’s Tale is a novel set in a dystopian future and is one of the best books in Canada and the world. This work of fiction by the Canadian author Margaret Atwood first came out in 1985.
Set in a futuristic New England, the novel tells the story of the Handmaid, Offred, in the house of the Commander and his wife. She is permitted to go out once a day to the market and is not allowed to read. It portrays a patriarchal society in contrast to a woman’s struggle for independence and individuality.
2. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
A sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, this story of Canada is set 15 years after the original work. It is written from the point of view of Aunt Lydia, a character in the previous novel. It is about two young women, Agnes and Daisy, struggling to find their place in society.
3. The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King
Filled with shadow and light, suffering and mysticism, The Inconvenient Indian shows the understandings gleaned from meditation, knitting the strange circular story of the relationship between non-Natives and Natives.
Published in 2012, The Inconvenient Indian is considered one of the best Canadian novels about the indigenous history of the people of North America.
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4. The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
In this crazy and extraordinary novel, we see Aminata Diallo, one of the most influential women characters in modern fiction, being abducted from West Africa as a child and bought as an enslaved person in South Carolina.
In this revolutionary writing of Lawrence Hill, Aminata, from West Africa, while working on an indigo plantation in South Carolina, attempts to find a new and independent life in Canada.
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5. The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields
This book tells the stories of one woman’s life – a simply pleasurable work of fiction that expresses and illustrates the troubled times of our century. The Stone Diaries is one of the multiple award-winning Canadian novels that changed the world’s idea about the country.
6. The Girl Who Was Saturday Night by Heather O’Neill
It is a captivating and mesmerizing tale of twins, success, and sorrow that has become one of the craziest Canadian books ever presented on the world stage.
7. The Lightkeeper’s Daughters by Jean E. Pendziwol
This critically-acclaimed book observes the saga of two sisters who discovered diaries that belonged to their deceased father. By searching the journals, the duo becomes closer and uncovers mysteries and secrets that change everything they believe to be the truth.
8. Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay
This crazy book comprises a cast of eccentric and crazier characters – Dido and Harry. This award-winning novel is believed to be among Hay’s most accomplished works.
9. In the Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje
First published in 1987, this book bravely thins the line between myth and history. Set in 1920s Toronto, this historical fiction exposes the immigrant conditions of that age, Toronto, and the country.
10. Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City by Tanya Talaga
This Canadian nonfiction of 2017 examines the experiences of Indigenous people – the children at school in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This mind-blowing work of literature features the investigation of “seven untimely and largely unsolved deaths” among the students in school.
11. Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowat
With a brilliant story of remarkable adventures, Farley Mowat has forged an unforgettable award-winning tale of two children – an Indian boy and a Canadian orphan. This sensational story can easily be considered one of the craziest Canadian books ever written.
12. Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
The first book of the Deptford Trilogy, by Davies, is a fantastic portrayal of the effects and horrors of the first world war.
The stories gradually developed into excellent writing of the country and later became a collection of three books.
13. The Only Child by Andrew Pyper
Internationally bestselling writer Andrew Piper manages to pen one of the craziest Canadian books with The Only Child. This retelling of the original gothic literature is among the most outstanding Canadian novels and thrillers.
14. Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald
This historical fiction set in Nova Scotia brilliantly dances between the realms of dark and amusing and redefines the themes of family, guilt, and redemption with wit and humor.
15. The Cure for Death by Lightning by Gail Anderson-Dargatz
This bestseller of Canada is the debut novel of Anderson-Dargatz, and the setting is based on the darkness of the Second World War.
16. Camp X by Eric Walters
Another novel set during the time of WW2, this horrifying story breaks the stereotype about Canadian friendliness.
The book features the brother’s Jack and George attempting to save a top-secret military base in Canada.
17. Bear by Marian Engel
This book defines crazy. It is about an affair between a librarian and a bear. Enough said. The story of Bear has made Marian Engel one of the most controversial Canadian authors ever to write.
18. The Book of Dreams by O. R. Melling
It is the fourth and final novel in the Chronicles of Faerie saga featuring a half-human girl with strange magical powers.
19. Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
This one describes a great Young Adult quest with an alternate reality without airplanes. Oppel’s Airborn is one of the foremost Canadian novels among the stories and works that redefined history.
20. Fruit: A Novel About a Boy and His Nipples by Brian Francis
Just read the title. You will understand why it might be considered crazy. A comparatively new book among the other classics, Fruit is among the novels that shifted the writing course among Canadian authors.
21. Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O’Neill
O’Neill dazzles the world with a debut book of incredible foresightedness and strength, a beautifully understated but influential story of life on the street and survival.
22. Who Is Frances Rain? by Margaret Buffie
One of the craziest Canadian books focuses on a young girl who starts to see ghosts of the past by wearing a pair of old spectacles.
23. Come, Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant
An enjoyable crazy tale shows a willful tortoise and her owner, the narrator finding themselves in the heart of a life-changing mystery.
24. The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond Of Matches by Gaétan Soucy
This Canadian fiction is a triumphant work filled with anticipation, ingenuity, and amusement that peeks into guilt, heartlessness, and chaos.
25. The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence
This extraordinary book of English publications presented to Canada the moody 90-year-old Hagar Shipley, one of the most unforgettable characters in both Canadian and world fiction.
26. The Wars by Timothy Findley
In short, this brief book opposes superlatives and is Canada’s most remarkable book on the First World War.
27. Who Do You Think You Are by Alice Munro
Even though these are several related short stories, you cannot complete your list of craziest Canadian books without an Alice Munro masterpiece.
28. No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod
This book will forever be remembered for its extraordinary portrayal of MacDonald’s family history.
29. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
The Blue Castle featuring the journey and transformation of an ailing woman is a beautiful love story about celebrating life. The travels and lives of the protagonist Valancy Jane Stirling and Barney Snaith have created one of the most brilliant Canadian novels of the age.
30. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
Based on the first world war, the debut novel of Boyden presents a stark but striking terrain of Northern Ontario.
31. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
A portrayal of struggles of trauma and reconciliation, this inspirational book about friendship in school and hockey reveals the strength of the author’s storytelling.
32. Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
A classic of Canadian writing, Fifth Business is the first book in the Deptford Trilogy. Modern Library readers chose the book as one of the Hundred Best Novels of the twentieth century. For the work of Fifth Business, Davies is ranked among the best Canadian authors.
33. The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler
The brilliant satirist Richler created a masterpiece with the remarkable character of Duddy Kravitz and a vivid presentation of a Jewish immigrant family.
34. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
The dramatic portrayal of romance, history, and war earned numerous awards and is popularly believed to be one of Canada’s most well-composed novels. The English Patient observes four people connected at an Italian villa at the time of the Italian Campaign of World War II.
35. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Published in 2001, this philosophical novel delves into spirituality and metaphysics. The 2012 movie adaptation of the book won four Academy Awards.
36. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien
One of the greatest novels of recent times, this celebrated book has become an everlasting inspection of history, family, and suffering.
37. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
This book is an extraordinary and sad tale of life in India. It is about love and friendship and is set in the year 1975. Four strangers are running away from the caste system to attempt to escape their city when the government announces the State of Emergency.
38. Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels
This numerous award-winning Canadian historical fiction features the characters of Jakob Beer, a Polish Holocaust survivor, in the first section and Ben, the son of two Holocaust survivors, in the second part.
39. Still Life by Louise Penny
The Canadian mystery is a perfect example of Louise Penny’s brilliant narrative style and spectacular contemplation of the human psyche. The lifelike characters will feel like friends and is a sign that it.
40. The Diviners by Margaret Laurence
The conclusion and final of Laurence’s famous book series, The Diviners, is a brilliant work of art. This is the meaningful tale of an independent woman who refuses to give up her quest for love.
41. Annabel by Kathleen Winter
The novel deal with the birth of an unusual child: one who seems to be neither a boy nor a girl. This strange novel bravely portrays the events and surroundings of a mixed-gendered child and dramatically impacts the queer and LGBT community.
42. Practical Jean by Trevor Cole
One of the craziest Canadian books, this novel centers on the character of Jean Vale Horemarsh, who, in an attempt to protect her loved ones from the sufferings of aging and illness, decides to kill them! The novel is a brilliant combination of horror and humor; you should try it for a unique experience.
43. Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King
This fantasy fiction deals with the search for a middle ground between tradition and modernism. This book of magic realism, published in 1993, is a must-read for all. A king who is a top Canadian author created a tale redefining stereotypes.
44. February by Lisa Moore
This literary historical fiction is about an adventure of complicated love and grief, past and present, and the importance of hope in life.
45. Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing by Tomson Highway
Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing gives an account of the fictitious Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve. This book features seven “Wasy” men and the game of hockey. The story’s pace is fast, and you will never be bored while reading this story of sorrow, humor, and hope.
46. Obasan by Joy Kogawa
This solid and intense Canadian novel is written from a child’s perspective and is a stunning story of Japanese Canadians in the background of war and history. The Pearl Harbor incident completely changes the life of five-year-old Naomi. The little girl only has her aunt Obasan as her protector in her struggle to survive.
47. The Antagonist by Lynn Coady
In one of her craziest Canadian books, Lynn Coady inspects and portrays how we consent to and allow male violence. It is a strange and noisy illustration of a man ripping himself into pieces to put himself back together.
48. Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton
This book begins a collection of the same name and is a loud and vibrant journey through the past. Among the craziest Canadian books is Hark! A Vagrant is ironic, ridiculous, and brilliant!
49. Beautiful Losers by Leonard Cohen
It is the second and last novel by the Canadian musician Leonard Cohen. Published in 1966, this is an experimental work of fiction. The book focuses on the unfortunate fellows in a love triangle connected by their addictions and fascinations. This book should be on your read list with its vulgar and witty elements.
50. Garbage Delight Classic Edition by Dennis Lee (Illustrated by Frank Newfeld)
Filled with catchy rhythms and naughty fun, Garbage Delight has become a widespread presence on the bookshelves of Canada and the world. With 42 brilliantly made poems, this book presents a feast of hilarious, absurd, crazy lyrics, words, and poetry.
51. Trauma Farm: A Rebel History of Rural Life by Brian Brett
In terms of memoirs, this is one of the craziest Canadian books. It is an unbelievable adventure through a day in Brett’s life at Trauma Farm. Trauma Farm presents a tale that is intense, logical, and often laughable and an exploration of rural life.
52. The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
The Silent Wife is a thrilling psychological novel featuring the lives and alternating points of view of two people, Todd and Jodie – a man who is a compulsive cheater and a woman who lives in denial. The conflict rise when the characters start to teeter towards committing murder.
53. The Town That Drowned by Riel Nason
Published in 2011, The Town That Drowned is set in the 1960s. The novel brings out the awkwardness of adolescent lives, the delight and joy that comes with falling in love for the first time, and the significance of having a place to call home. Nason’s vivid visions and ideas of light and darkness are presented through a study of the human psyche.
54. The Night Wanderer by Drew Hayden Taylor (Illustrated by Michael Wyatt)
The craziest Canadian books can never be complete unless you put The Night Wanderer. The novel is about Tiffany, a 16-year-old girl who discovers that the guest renting her room is a vampire! The graphic publication of this novel does perfect justice in painting the mesmerizing aura of the supernatural story.
55. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Your experience of Canadian culture will remain incomplete without the very delightful and heartwarming novel Anne of Green Gables.
The story of Anne Shirley, age 11, from Nova Scotia, is an incredible portrayal of love, family, school, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
56. The Studhorse Man by Robert Kroetsch
The Studhorse Man is a distinctive tale of this country. They are written from the perspective of a madman who works naked in a bathtub.
The protagonist is Hazard Lepage, the last of the studhorse men who owns a remarkable blue stallion named Poseidon, also the last of its kind. The moving novel about their lives is an unusual and fascinating postmodern retelling of the classic The Odyssey.
57. Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear (Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault)
The list of craziest Canadian books cannot be perfect without Virginia Wolf by the Canadian novelist Kyo Maclear. The tale of the two sisters, Virginia and Vanessa, is loosely based on the knowledge of the life of the famous author Virginia Woolf and her sister.
The ‘wolfish’ nature and the vision of Bloomsberry are intricately intertwined with the two women who are sisters and friends – one blue and the other radiant, in essence, creating a perfect Canadian classic by one of the most loved Canadian authors.
Closing Thoughts
This list has all the genres you can think of, including but not limited to comedy, tragedy, romance, mystery, historical fiction, nonfiction, and more. You will laugh, cry, learn, realize, and transform as a reader.
Get ready to read up about the rich course on the culture and history of Canada. Additionally, if you want to know more about such literary works, sign up for the Canadian book club!
If you are a lover of books, you should not miss out on these brilliant works by Canadian authors. You will learn about Canada’s significant history and rich culture and experience the ingenuity and creative genius of the writers.
Covers some of the best Canadian mystery novels and the short story collection, that not only dwell in dead body, human nature, but also in Canadian history, all in a smooth fast paced story fashion.
Now, grab one of the crazy books from the list, make a cup of tea or coffee and spend a relaxing day exploring the realm of the best and craziest Canadian books in the world.
Whether you are looking for crime fiction or murder mystery, these are some of the best favorite Canadian novels every book lover should read at least once.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the works at your book club like novels, stories, kids books, poetry, and short stories collection of remarkable Canadian authors like Michael Ondaatje, Lawrence Hill, Alice Munro, and Margaret Atwood.
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