Canada has a rich literary heritage with many beloved authors and books that are today regarded as classics. If you’re looking for some new books to read on chilly fall evenings, then consider a homegrown title. Here is a quick look at some classic Canadian novels that deserve a spot on your fall reading list.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

The only proper way to start a list of Canadian literary classics is with Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Written in 1908, the book remains a timeless tale of friendship and adventure. It follows Anne’s journey from orphan to spirited young woman in the idyllic fictional community of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. The book has had many television, film, and theatrical adaptations, with the most recent being the joint Netflix and CBC television series Anne with an E.

The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje

The English Patient may not be set in Canada, but it is the work of one of the country’s most lauded literary figures, Micheal Ondaatje. This evocative and richly layered novel oscillates between a war-torn Italy and the North African desert, telling the story of four disparate lives entwined in the aftermath of World War II. A haunting exploration of love, identity, and memory, it is a testament to Ondaatje’s masterful storytelling.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

As fall ushers in longer nights, it’s fitting to explore the darker side of fiction with a much-lauded work of beloved Canadian author Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale. This dystopian classic has resurfaced in public consciousness due to its recent adaptation into a successful TV series. The novel presents a terrifying vision of a future totalitarian state, known as Gilead, where women are oppressed. It is a chilling but thought-provoking read.

The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields

Carol Shields’ The Stone Diaries is an intimate exploration of an ordinary life. It tells the story of Daisy Goodwill Flett, a fictional woman who was born in 1905. The novel spans Daisy’s life, from her birth in Manitoba to her journey through womanhood in various North American cities. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book delves into the struggles, joys, and mundanity of daily existence in a way that will resonate with many readers.

The Diviners by Margaret Laurence

Finally, settle into the vivid and poignant universe of The Diviners by Margaret Laurence. The novel touches on themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery and is told through the lens of Morag Gunn, a writer living in rural Ontario. Laurence’s evocative descriptions of the Canadian landscape and the intricate web of Morag’s relationships make it a compelling read. The novel received the Governor General’s Award for English-language fiction in 1974.

It’s never a bad time to pick up a new book, but there’s something extra-special about fall. Discover the fantastic depth of Canadian literature this season by choosing a classic Canadian read that connects you to the land and its history.