New Books by British Columbia Authors Highlight Province’s Stories
A wave of new literary releases from British Columbia authors is offering readers a diverse range of stories set within the province, coinciding with the arrival of fall weather.
Among the most anticipated titles is Eddy Boudel Tan’s debut novel, The Tiger and The Cosmonaut, which has been shortlisted for the Giller Prize this fall. The story follows Casper Han as he returns to his B.C. hometown after his father’s mysterious disappearance, uncovering long-held family secrets. Tan explained he was inspired to write the book during the pandemic, seeking to understand his parents’ history, stating, “I felt hunger to hear more about their stories … so I started asking them all these questions and learning about their history, which is really my history.”
Vancouver author Daniel Kalla’s latest thriller, The Deepest Fake, explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and its impact on grief and relationships. Kalla, also a long-time emergency room physician, noted his medical background informs his writing, but this novel focuses on the complexities of human connection. Meanwhile, Kelowna author Joanna Cockerline’s debut, Still, which was longlisted for the Giller Prize, offers a poignant look at life on the streets through the story of an unhoused sex worker searching for a missing friend; Cockerline hopes the book will “cultivate empathy.” For younger readers, Clara Kumagai’s YA novel, Songs for Ghosts, draws inspiration from Japanese folklore and explores themes of identity and the past, and is a perfect read as the days get shorter. Readers interested in B.C. political history can also explore the recently published memoir of former Premier John Horgan, compiled with journalist Rod Mickleburgh.
Rounding out the new releases is Jen Sookfong Lee’s horror novel, The Hunger We Pass Down, which delves into intergenerational trauma within a Hong Kong and East Vancouver family, and Ziyad Saadi’s debut, Three Parties, a story exploring themes of sexuality and identity mirroring Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. Saadi hopes his novel will offer representation for Palestinians, stating, “A lot of different industries…in many corners of these industries, Palestinians are being ignored.” The release of these books highlights British Columbia’s growing literary scene and provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
Several of these titles will be featured at upcoming literary festivals across the province, offering opportunities for readers to connect with the authors and discuss their work.
