Best Canadian Literature Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 9, 2023

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Canadian literature is a diverse and rich collection of books that reflects the country's cultural and historical background. From Margaret Atwood's feminist dystopian novel, "The Handmaid's Tale," to Alice Munro's short story collection, "Dear Life," Canadian literature has produced some of the most influential and celebrated works in the literary world. Other notable Canadian authors include Michael Ondaatje, Yann Martel, and Robertson Davies. Whether it's exploring the complexities of Canadian identity or delving into the personal struggles of individuals, Canadian literature offers a unique perspective and a captivating reading experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

You'll Come Back to Yourself Cover #TOP 1
You'll Come Back to Yourself
ftb score rating icon 9.9
A Shadow Crown (The Halfling Saga) Cover #TOP 2
A Shadow Crown (The Halfling Saga)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga) Cover #TOP 3
A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Canadian Literature Books

Angemeer, Michaela
Popovski, Aleks
Michaela Angemeer
Aug 18, 2019
You'll Come Back to Yourself Cover
You'll Come Back to Yourself

You'll Come Back to Yourself is a poignant collection of poetry and prose by Michaela Angemeer that explores the complexities of modern relationships, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Divided into three sections, the book takes the reader on a journey of holding on, letting go, and ultimately finding oneself. Angemeer's writing is emotive and raw, and her themes of body image, depression, and infidelity are relatable to many readers. Fans of Rupi Kaur and Orion Carloto will appreciate this book's lyrical style and inspiring message. Overall, You'll Come Back to Yourself is a powerful reminder of the importance of choosing oneself and finding strength in vulnerability.

A Shadow Crown (The Halfling Saga)

Blair, Melissa
Union Square & Co.
May 9, 2023
A Shadow Crown (The Halfling Saga) Cover
A Shadow Crown (The Halfling Saga)

The highly anticipated second installment of The Halfling Saga, "A Shadow Crown", picks up where the first book left off. Keera is the king's Blade, a feared assassin, and spy, but in the shadows, she works with Prince Killian and his Shadow, Riven, to plot the assassination of a tyrant king. Keera's past crimes follow her to the Faeland, where she finds herself the top suspect in a traitor's midst. With stunning world-building and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, this high fantasy novel is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas's "Throne of Glass" series. Melissa Blair's diverse cast of characters will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

#TOP 3

A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga)

Blair, Melissa
Union Square & Co.
Aug 2, 2022
A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga) Cover
A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga)

A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga) by Melissa Blair is a must-read for fans of fast-paced high fantasy books. The story follows Keera, the King's Blade, on her mission to hunt down a mysterious figure called the Shadow. As she tracks her target into the magical lands of the Fae, Keera discovers shocking truths about her enemy and herself. Blair has created a rich fantasy world filled with magic, romance, danger, and intrigue. The representation of sapphic characters adds a unique touch to the book. Overall, A Broken Blade is a gripping and fierce fantasy novel that readers won't be able to put down.

La Cabaña: Donde la Tragedia Se Encuentra Con la Eternidad (Spanish Edition)

Young, William P.
Windblown Media
Dec 4, 2008
La Cabaña: Donde la Tragedia Se Encuentra Con la Eternidad (Spanish Edition) Cover
La Cabaña: Donde la Tragedia Se Encuentra Con la Eternidad (Spanish Edition)

La Cabaña: Donde la Tragedia Se Encuentra Con la Eternidad is a contemporary Christian fiction book by Wm. Paul Young. The story revolves around the abduction and possible murder of Mackenzie Allen Phillips's youngest daughter Missy. Four years later, Mack receives a suspicious note from God, inviting him back to the abandoned shack where evidence of his daughter's murder was found. Against his better judgment, Mack goes back and what he finds there changes his life forever. The book is a powerful exploration of faith, grief, and the question of where God is in a world filled with pain. Overall, it is a moving and thought-provoking read.

Entitled: Life isn't easy when you're a book

Boyle, Cookie
Nov 24, 2020
Entitled: Life isn't easy when you're a book Cover
Entitled: Life isn't easy when you're a book.

Entitled by Cookie Boyle is a charming and heartwarming novel that revolves around the life of a book. The book follows the journey of a book from San Francisco to Paris, London, and New York in search of a home. As the book is read, misplaced, loaned, and abandoned, it discovers love, heartbreak, loneliness, and friendship, ultimately becoming the author of its journey. The story highlights the pull between the story we are born with and the one we wish to create for ourselves. Overall, Entitled is a unique and enjoyable read that celebrates the love of books, travel, and the people we meet along the way.

#TOP 6

Enemy Women

Jiles, Paulette
Harper Perennial
Apr 10, 2007

"Enemy Women" by Paulette Jiles is a gripping historical fiction set during the American Civil War. The story follows Adair Colley, an eighteen-year-old girl whose family remains neutral during the war but is torn apart by it. Adair is captured and imprisoned in a women's prison where she finds love and hope amidst the horror and despair. The book is written with tough, haunting eloquence and beautifully portrays Missouri's logistic misfortune as a hotbed of both Union and Confederate violence. Overall, "Enemy Women" is a remarkable debut that deserves the Pulitzer Prize and is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

#TOP 7

The Call Of the Wild: The Original 1903 Edition (A Jack London Classic Novel)

London, Jack
Feb 1, 2023
The Call Of the Wild: The Original 1903 Edition (A Jack London Classic Novel) Cover
The Call Of the Wild: The Original 1903 Edition (A Jack London Classic Novel)

The Call of the Wild is a classic novel by Jack London, originally published in 1903. The story follows Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen from his home and forced to survive as an Alaskan sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Through harsh treatments and fierce competition, Buck learns to rely on his primal instincts and eventually emerges as a leader in the wild. This book is a timeless tale of survival, love, and the power of nature. It has been adapted into several films and remains a beloved classic in literature today.

#TOP 8

The Contract (The Contract Series)

Moreland, Melanie
Melanie Moreland
May 16, 2016
The Contract (The Contract Series) Cover
The Contract (The Contract Series)

The Contract by Melanie Moreland is an enemies-to-lovers office romance novel that follows the story of Richard VanRyan, a tyrant who lives life with no regard for others, and Katharine Elliott, his long-suffering personal assistant. However, when Richard asks Katharine to be his fiancée instead of his PA, their relationship takes a dramatic turn. The book has received rave reviews, with readers praising the well-developed characters and the emotional depth of the story. Overall, The Contract is a must-read for fans of the genre and an excellent example of Melanie Moreland's writing style.

Emerald Companion

Rumi, Suhaib
Oct 15, 2019

Emerald Companion is a revised and expanded edition collection of poetry, prose, and aphorisms on heartbreak, healing, self-discovery, spirituality, and rising in love. The book is divided into sections, and the fragments that were written during the highs and lows of life flow harmoniously throughout the book. It is relatable, empowering, and inspirational, filled with gems of wisdom that make it a must-have for all poetry lovers. The book's unique attribute is its ability to connect with readers on a personal level and inspire them to reflect on their own lives. Overall, Emerald Companion is an excellent choice for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of themselves and their journey.

#TOP 10

House of Chains (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 4)

Erikson, Steven
Tor Books
Aug 22, 2006
House of Chains (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 4) Cover
House of Chains (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 4)

House of Chains is the fourth book in Steven Erikson's epic fantasy series, The Malazan Book of the Fallen. The story follows Karsa Orlong, a tribal warrior, as he embarks on a destiny that will change the course of history. Meanwhile, Tavore, the Adjunct to the Empress, must lead an army of raw recruits into battle against the rebel forces of Sha'ik. Erikson's world-building and character development are unparalleled, and House of Chains is a multilayered tale of magic, war, loyalty, and betrayal. This book is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is considered Canadian Literature?

Canadian literature is the literature of a multicultural country, written in languages including Canadian English, Canadian French, Indigenous languages, and many others such as Canadian Gaelic.

2. Who is the most famous Canadian author?

Margaret Atwood Any list of the top Canadian writers of all time has to start with Margaret Atwood. Atwood is frequently listed as the most popular Canadian writer, but she is also listed among the most significant writers globally.

3. What is Canadian Literature in English?

The term “Canadian Literature in English” refers to that which is written in what is now territorially Canada or written by Canadians abroad (see also Literature in French).

Editor's Notes

During our canadian literature book research, we found 1,200+ canadian literature book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 262,688 customer reviews through our big data system to write the canadian literature books list. We found that most customers choose canadian literature books with an average price of $11.37.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.