5 Fall Canadian Must-Reads

By VITA Daily

As we write, we can hear raindrops tip-tapping on the roof, and there’s nothing we’d rather do than crawl under our slankets and hibernate for the next few months. All we need now is a great book—by a Canadian writer, natch—and here are five we’re looking forward to. —Aileen Lalor

• Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood

  By VITA Daily

  The enormously prolific grand dame of Canadian literature’s Hag-Seed is a reworking of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The familiar tale now features theatre director Felix, who is ousted from his role as artistic director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival, exiled, and years later, seeks retribution. Expect Atwood’s characteristic humour, brilliant prose, and fresh insights into Shakespeare’s text. It’s part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series, to which Anne Tyler and Jeanette Winterson have also contributed. Available October 2016.

• The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

  By VITA Daily

  Dublin-born Donoghue’s ninth novel takes her back to her Irish roots. She tells the tale of an 11-year-old girl in 1850s Ireland who appears to have stopped eating, but remains in good health. It’s hailed as a miracle, but some have their suspicions, and a nurse and journalist begin to investigate. Part historical novel, part psychological thriller, totally gripping, it’s not yet released, but has already been nominated for this year’s Giller Prize. An exciting book from the author of the brilliant Room, the Oscar-winning film of which was released last year. Available September 20, 2016.

• Take Us To Your Chief by Drew Hayden Taylor

  By VITA Daily

  Hayden Taylor is known for funny and poignant books that usually draw from his First Nations heritage. This time, he’s exploring the science-fiction genre in this collection of eight short stories. There’s still the First Nations connection, but framed by the tropes and conventions of sci-fi – alien invaders, time travel, government conspiracies and all. Humorous, though-provoking, and suitably short for nights when your bed is calling. Available October 2016.

• Stranger: A Novel, by David Bergen

  By VITA Daily

  Iso, a young Guatemalan woman working in a fertility clinic, has a relationship with an American doctor, Dr Mann. He leaves before she discovers she’s pregnant. Her baby girl is stolen at birth, and Iso must travel through South America and into the US to track her down. The suspenseful novel explores greed, inequality and privilege – themes that are particularly resonant in the US today – through the disparity in Iso and Dr Mann’s situations. Like Donoghue’s The Wonder, this has been nominated for the Giller Prize, which Bergen won in 2005 for The Time In Between. Available September 13, 2016.

• Don’t I Know You? by Marni Jackson

  By VITA Daily

  Rose McEwan, an ordinary woman, has a life filled with extraordinary encounters. Follow her from the age of 17 through a collection of linked stories in which she attends a summer school taught by John Updike, tries synchronized swimming with Bill Murray, goes on a canoe trip with Taylor Swift, and much more. Fantastical, witty, funny and original, the novel examines our obsession with celebrity, and gives us a glimpse into average and famous lives as imagined by journalist Jackson. Available September 27, 2016.