CBC Books has curated a selection of Canadian historical fiction novels to captivate readers during the long summer days. Ranging from 17th century Quebec to 1911 China and Montreal during Expo ’67, these novels offer diverse settings and time periods for immersive reading experiences.
In “Wild People Quiet” by Tara Gereaux, set in 1940s Saskatchewan, the protagonist, a Métis woman named Florence, conceals her true identity in a predominantly white town. Encountering a group of Métis farm workers, she confronts her hidden past and grapples with defining her future.
“Heather Marshall’s “Liberty Street” delves into a 1961 Toronto narrative where an editorial assistant at a magazine uncovers unsettling conditions at a women’s prison. Decades later, a detective investigating unearthed remains unravels a personal connection to the past.
Blair Palmer Yoxall’s “Treat Them as Buffalo” is set in 1855, following Niko Eriksen’s search for his missing cousin and the community’s initiative to seek justice when authorities turn a blind eye.
“The Winter Witch” by Jennifer Chevalier transports readers to 17th century Quebec, where sisters Élisabeth and Marthe embark on a transformative journey seeking resolution for their hardships.
Christine Estima’s “Letters to Kafka” unfolds in 1919 Vienna, chronicling the enthralling correspondence between Milena Jesenská and Franz Kafka, leading to a complex relationship that transcends mere translation.
“City of The Muse” by Kate Hilton interweaves the tales of papyrologist Helen Gardiner’s Egyptian expedition in 1903 and modern-day archivist Maddie unraveling a century-old mystery.
“I Remember Lights” by Ben Ladouceur portrays a young man’s romantic encounter in Montreal during Expo ’67, contrasted with the aftermath of a police raid a decade later.
“The Chambermaid’s Key” by Genevieve Graham follows dual timelines in 1929 and present-day Toronto, unveiling secrets surrounding a murder at the Dominion Hotel.
“Palaces of the Crow” by Ray Nayler narrates the survival journey of four teens evading wartime threats, forging an unbreakable bond amidst adversity.
Janie Chang’s “The Fourth Princess” uncovers the dark history of an estate in 1911 Shanghai, intertwining the lives of two women as they unearth secrets during a revealing soirée.