This 1988 novel may be Atwood’s most autobiographical story. Most notably, this is a story about women. Elaine is a painter in her 50s who returns to Toronto for a retrospective art show. What follows are reflections on her life. Perhaps the best section describes her childhood, ages 8-15, and the pervasive influence of mean girls who play on Elaine’s insecurity and her need to please. The cruelty is subtle, stressing Elaine’s imperfections. And there are secrets and shifting alliances. These girlhood traumas persist into adult life, so this is a powerful coming-of-age novel, a must read book.
Category: Genre
Whistler – Ann Patchett
Simply put, this is a fantastic book. Daphne, a 53-year-old married woman, has a chance encounter with Eddie in an art museum; Eddie was briefly her step-dad when she was 9 years old (so 44 years ago). This is a superb relationship story, of the choices that people make and the choices that are made for them. There is a quiet simplicity to Patchett’s storytelling that remind me of Anne Tyler (high praise) There is transcendent writing about memory, and even lying as an act of kindness. This is one of Patchett’s best books about loss and enduring love – highly recommended. Thanks Amy, for this book.
Theo Of Golden – Allen Levi
Full disclosure – this remarkable first novel is unabashedly sentimental, and there will be tears. Theo is an 86-year-old gentleman of European origins who leaves his New York home to spend a year in Golden in SE USA. So, the obvious first question is why? What is his motivation? His actions are to exhibit goodness and kindness, to be curious, to be a conversationalist and especially to be a great listener. And he has a mysterious impulse to purchase portraits and return them as gifts to the subjects, a bestowal. The consequences of Theo’s generous actions create wonderful stories, reminding the reader of the importance of being an encourager in an anxious world, and thus to witness uplifting experiences. Thanks Joyce, for the gift of this book.
Fingersmith – Sarah Waters
This intriguing novel is a fine example of historical fiction. The setting: London and the south of England in the 1860s. Two 17-year-old women become involved in a Dickensian plot involving seduction and theft, but who are the villains? What if some villains become victims? Overall, this is a dramatic thriller with many thieves, and double crosses with some truly evil people, so very entertaining.
The Impossible Fortune – Richard Osman
This fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club mystery series is one of the best. Importantly, there is the clever and signature wit of Osman’s writing. Of course, the plot is devious: a missing person, a bitcoin fortune, a car bomb. But this is a story about the importance of relationships, old (Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim) and new, with family dynamics a key element. Highly recommended.
Revolution Songs – Carissa Halton
This remarkable first novel is a classic example of historical fiction. The setting is the Crowsnest Pass, specifically Blairmore, in the 1930s. The drama is labour radicalism, fueled by depression-era poverty and the dangers of coal mining. The influences of Communist agitation and even the sinister presence of the KKK creates a dramatic backdrop for exploitation. Thanks Sarah, for this recommendation.
Is This A Cry For Help? – Emily Austin
Full disclosure: this book is a tribute to libraries and librarians! Darcy is a 32-year-old librarian who is recovering from a sick leave precipitated by the death of a former partner. So part of the story is a professional analysis of her insecurities and her need to please others. And there are important library challenges to principles of intellectual freedom and inclusivity due to censorship demands. So, a book that deals with important contemporary issues.
PS: Emily Austin also wrote Everyone in this Room will Someday be Dead
The Cure For Drowning – Loghan Paylor
This book is the well-deserved winner of the 2026 Canada Reads competition, championed by the formidable and eloquent Tegan Quin. This is brilliant historical fiction: small town Ontario in 1939 and then WWII in Halifax and Europe. There are two principal characters: the non-binary Catherine/Kit/Christopher and Rebekah. These vivid individuals are grappling with identity and belonging, so different perspectives on life are featured. And there is some magic realism, aka folklore: highly recommended.
The Game – Ken Dryden
Full disclosure – this is a book about hockey. But in my defense, this extraordinary book is widely considered to be the greatest hockey book ever written. For context, Dryden was the goaltender for the Montréal Canadiens during their epic success in the 1970s. Specifically, he writes about 1979 and the performance of the team and himself. Importantly, Dryden is a thoughtful and articulate observer. Has the team been spoiled by success, and is the team in decline? Dryden has also decided to retire after his 9th season: why? He describes ball hockey as a child, and offers cogent observations on his teammates. This is a great book about people and performance, aspects of image and reputation, and even superstition.
What David Read 