Looking for a way to escape into the past this summer? CBC Books has curated a selection of Canadian historical fiction novels to whisk you away on a captivating journey. From the 17th-century landscapes of Quebec to the bustling streets of 1911 China and the vibrant atmosphere of Montreal during Expo ’67, these novels offer a diverse range of settings and eras for readers to explore.
Wild People Quiet by Tara Gereaux
In Tara Gereaux’s Wild People Quiet, set in 1940s Saskatchewan, a Métis woman named Florence conceals her heritage in a predominantly white town by disguising herself with blonde hair. When she encounters a group of Métis farm workers, she confronts her hidden past and must make pivotal decisions about her future.
Tara Gereaux, a member of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, resides in Regina and is known for her works Saltus and Size of a Fist, both of which received nominations for Saskatchewan Book Awards.
Liberty Street by Heather Marshall
Heather Marshall’s Liberty Street delves into the events of 1961, where an editorial assistant at Chatelaine magazine in Toronto receives a tip from a prison inmate revealing shocking conditions. Eager for a breakthrough story, she goes undercover to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, in modern times, a detective investigating unearthed remains in an unmarked grave stumbles upon a tale intertwined with personal connections.
Heather Marshall, based near Toronto, is also the author of Looking For Jane and The Secret History of Audrey James.