The contemporary Canadian short story in English

More about the book

Since the 1960s and 70s, critics have highlighted the significance of the short story in Canadian literature, often calling it the country’s most versatile genre or the heartbeat of its literary scene. The 2013 Nobel Prize awarded to Alice Munro not only recognizes a leading figure in this genre but also revitalizes interest in the short story as a distinct literary form. Amidst the vibrancy of contemporary short fiction, which has been somewhat overlooked by literary criticism, this book delves into Canadian short stories, examining thematic and structural elements alongside their socio-cultural contexts. It compiles and updates critical analyses, offering a comprehensive overview of major developments over the past twenty-five years. The text explores cultural and narratological shifts and includes close readings of key works. One chapter is dedicated to Munro, while the remaining chapters address themes such as gender, regionality, global change, multi- and transculturality, and the influence of Native writing in Canada. The extensive final chapter focuses on current trends in the short story cycle, particularly regarding modern life stories and migration narratives. By examining transitional moments in Canadian short story writing, the book innovatively addresses central issues in Canadian Studies.