British Columbia is home to a vibrant publishing scene, rich with stories that span continents and cultures. In this list, we spotlight books that are published locally but take readers across the world—from an unglamorous Singapore to war-torn Vietnam, from Louisiana’s Cajun country to a migrant’s experience in Canada, and everywhere in between. These books reflect the global curiosity and experiences of their authors and the multicultural heart of BC publishing. Whether you’re craving a literary escape or a deeper understanding of life elsewhere, these BC-published books will take you on unforgettable journeys around the world.
Geographies of the Heart: Stories from Newcomers to Canada, edited by Raymonde Tickner, Amea Wilbur, Zahida Rahemtulla & Kerry Johnson (UBC Press)
From the publisher: A settlement worker recalls being a child soldier in Sudan; a woman from Trinidad applies to over a hundred jobs; and a teacher from Afghanistan grapples with what it means to be a migrant in a colonized land.
In Geographies of the Heart, eighteen newcomers to Canada tell their own stories, in their own voices. These accounts push back against misconceptions about immigration and immigrants by revealing that the paths into Canada are as diverse as the people who journeyed them.
Available now!
Dear Da-Lê: A Father’s Memoir of the Vietnam War and the Iranian Revolution by Anh Duong, Ashley Da-Lê Duong (Douglas & McIntyre)
From the publisher: In an intensely revealing memoir written for his Canadian daughter, a man breaks a lifetime of silence about the traumas of his childhood in war-torn Vietnam and his years as a refugee in revolutionary Iran.
Available now!
Feast by Guillermo Verdecchia (Talonbooks)
This play by Guillermo Verdecchia is a satirical and surreal exploration of a North American family’s unraveling amidst global crises. The narrative follows Mark, a man whose insatiable culinary desires lead him on a globe-trotting adventure from Beirut to Mombasa, with stops in Lampedusa and the Centre for Avant-Garde Geography. Alongside his journey, the story delves into his family’s responses to the impending societal collapse, blending elements of magic realism and dark humour. Through its vivid settings and imaginative storytelling, Feast offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of our world and the complexities of modern existence.
Available now!
Wet by Leanne Dunic (Talonbooks)
From the publisher: In Wet, a transient Chinese American model working in Singapore thirsts for the unattainable: fair labour rights, the extinguishing of nearby forest fires, breathable air, healthy habitats for animals, human connection. She navigates place and placelessness while observing other migrant workers toiling outdoors despite the hazardous conditions. In photographs and language shot through with empathy and desire, Wet unravels complexities of social stratification, sexual privation, and environmental catastrophe.
Available now!
After We Drowned by Jill Yonit Goldberg (Anvil Press)
After an oil rig explosion upends life in rural Louisiana, fifteen-year-old Jesse watches his father unravel and eventually abandon the family. Struggling to fill the void, Jesse stumbles through violence, sexuality, and guilt, all while trying to live up to toxic ideas of manhood. When his choices put his family at risk, he must decide whether true strength lies in embracing his father’s cruelty—or rejecting it. After We Drowned is a raw coming-of-age story with a quiet feminist undercurrent set in the heart of Cajun country.
Available now!
Is This an Illness or an Accident? by Daniela Elza (Caitlin Press)
A poignant exploration of identity and belonging through the lens of a “third culture child.” Born in Bulgaria, raised in Nigeria, and now residing in Canada, Elza delves into the complexities of navigating multiple cultures and the challenges of defining home. Her memoir captures the nuances of living between worlds, offering readers a reflective journey on the fluidity of identity in an increasingly interconnected world.
Coming soon!
For Kids
Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting by Ausma Zehanat Khan (Orca Book Publishers)
Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting is an immersive exploration of Ramadan’s global traditions, offering young readers a passport to diverse cultures and practices. Through vibrant photographs and personal stories, the book journeys across continents, countries, and cultures. It highlights how children and families around the world observe fasting, prayer, and charity, providing a window into the rich tapestry of Islamic faith and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.
Available now!
Zia’s Story by Shahnaz Qayumi, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi (Tradewind Books)
Zia’s Story by Shahnaz Qayumi, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi, follows a young Afghan boy whose life is upended when his father is arrested by the Taliban. As Zia takes on adult responsibilities, his family flees war-torn Kabul for Pakistan, facing hardship and danger along the way—including time in a Taliban-run madrassa. Eventually finding refuge in Canada, Zia’s journey is one of resilience and hope. With evocative illustrations, this powerful story offers young readers a window into the refugee experience.
Available now!