We're only a few months into 2023, but Canadian publishers have already released an impressive array of titles spanning genres from literary fiction to memoirs, poetry to young adult novels. Our editorial team has been diligently reading this year's offerings, and we're excited to share our picks for the best Canadian books of 2023 so far. These selections showcase the depth, diversity, and excellence of contemporary Canadian literature.
Fiction
"The Sleeping Car Porter" by Suzette Mayr
Suzette Mayr's historical novel follows Baxter, a Black sleeping car porter on Canada's railways in the 1920s. Working in a profession that was one of the few available to Black men at the time, Baxter navigates racism, sleep deprivation, and the constant demands of white passengers while harboring dreams of becoming a dentist.
Mayr's meticulous research brings the era vividly to life, while her nuanced character development makes Baxter's experiences deeply affecting. The novel explores themes of identity, dignity, and resilience with elegant prose and historical precision.
"Mayr's novel illuminates an important chapter in Canadian labor history while crafting a compelling portrait of a man striving for dignity in a world designed to deny it," notes literary critic Elizabeth Wu. "The result is both a gripping historical narrative and a profound meditation on identity."
"The Fake" by Zoe Whittall
In this psychological thriller, Zoe Whittall explores the devastating impact of pathological liars on those around them. When Shelby's new girlfriend's daughter accuses her mother of being a notorious scammer, Shelby must unravel truth from fiction while questioning her own judgment.
Whittall's sharply observed narrative alternates between multiple perspectives, creating a layered exploration of deception, vulnerability, and the human need for connection. With its propulsive plot and psychological depth, "The Fake" confirms Whittall's status as one of Canada's most versatile literary talents.
"What distinguishes Whittall's thriller is its compassionate examination of why we sometimes choose to believe lies, even when faced with mounting evidence," observes reviewer Michael Chen. "Her characters are flawed but deeply human, making the novel's emotional impact all the more powerful."
"We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies" by Tsering Yangzom Lama
Spanning decades and continents, Tsering Yangzom Lama's debut novel traces the legacy of displacement through generations of a Tibetan family. After fleeing the Chinese occupation of Tibet in the 1960s, sisters Lhamo and Tenkyi struggle to build new lives in Nepal's refugee camps and eventually in Toronto, connected to their lost homeland by an ancient statue believed to have mystical properties.
Lama's luminous prose and multi-generational scope create an intimate portrait of exile, memory, and cultural preservation. The novel explores how displacement shapes identity and how sacred objects can embody cultural memory.
"This extraordinary debut announces the arrival of a major literary talent," writes critic James Wong. "Lama's novel achieves that rare balance between historical sweep and intimate emotional detail, creating a narrative that feels both epic and deeply personal."
Non-Fiction
"Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands" by Kate Beaton
In this graphic memoir, acclaimed cartoonist Kate Beaton recounts her time working in Alberta's oil sands to pay off her student loans. With unflinching honesty and visual storytelling prowess, Beaton documents the environmental devastation, workplace culture, and complex social dynamics of Canada's most controversial industry.
While addressing serious issues including sexual harassment and environmental degradation, Beaton's narrative is also infused with humanity, showing the diverse backgrounds and motivations of those drawn to the high-paying but difficult work in the oil sands.
"Beaton's ability to distill complex social and environmental issues into accessible visual narratives makes this an essential document of contemporary Canada," notes critic Sarah Johnson. "Her empathetic portrayal of fellow workers adds nuance to a topic often reduced to political slogans."
"The Deserter: A Novel Based on True Events" by Douglas Bland
Blending historical research with fictional narrative techniques, Douglas Bland reconstructs the little-known story of a Canadian soldier who deserted during World War I, only to be executed as an example to others. Drawing on military archives and personal correspondence, Bland creates a haunting meditation on duty, conscience, and the human cost of war.
The book raises profound questions about military justice, the trauma of combat, and how nations remember their wartime histories. Bland's background as a retired lieutenant-colonel brings authenticity to the military aspects while his novelist's sensibility creates an emotionally resonant narrative.
"Bland has rescued an important story from historical obscurity," writes military historian Robert Fraser. "By focusing on one soldier's fate, he illuminates larger questions about how Canada treated its warriors and how military discipline functioned during wartime."
Poetry
"Augur" by Nisa Malli
In her debut collection, Nisa Malli explores environmental anxiety, technological alienation, and the search for meaning in an increasingly uncertain world. Moving fluidly between lyric meditation and speculative futures, Malli's poems envision transformations both ecological and personal.
The collection is particularly striking for its innovative approach to form, with poems that visually enact their content through typographical experimentation and spatial arrangements. Despite these formal innovations, Malli's voice remains accessible and emotionally resonant.
"Malli's collection feels urgently contemporary in its concerns while drawing on poetry's timeless capacity to reimagine reality," notes poetry critic Elena Rodriguez. "These poems operate as both warning and wonder, alarm and possibility."
Children's and Young Adult
"The Agony of Bun O'Keefe" by Heather Smith
Set in 1980s Newfoundland, this young adult novel follows fourteen-year-old Bun O'Keefe as she escapes her hoarding mother's home and finds sanctuary with a group of misfits in St. John's. Despite its difficult subject matter—including abandonment and abuse—the novel is ultimately a hopeful exploration of chosen family and resilience.
Smith's character-driven narrative and authentic dialogue create a vivid portrait of 1980s Newfoundland while addressing timeless themes of belonging and self-discovery. The novel has garnered praise for its sensitive handling of trauma and its diverse, fully realized cast of characters.
"Smith has crafted an unforgettable protagonist in Bun O'Keefe," writes YA reviewer Amanda Chen. "Her unique voice and perspective create a coming-of-age story that avoids clichés while delivering genuine emotional impact."
Looking Ahead
The remainder of 2023 promises even more literary riches from Canadian authors. We're particularly anticipating new releases from established writers like Lawrence Hill and Eden Robinson, along with debuts from emerging voices that continue to diversify the Canadian literary landscape.
At Canadian Books, we're committed to highlighting the best in Canadian literature, from commercial bestsellers to literary award winners to hidden gems from small presses. Visit our store or browse our online catalogue to discover these outstanding titles and more from Canadian authors.
Have you read any of these selections? Do you have other Canadian books from 2023 that you'd recommend? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on our social media channels.
