If you're looking for a little mystery, try one of Louise Penny's favorites. “Three Pines” Detective series. Although set in a fictional town in Quebec, Montreal often appears in her novels (“glass house” especially. ) Kathy Raikes unearths the city's bones in thriller film “Deja Dead” Montreal's rich queer culture is captured in a coming-of-age novel “Geography of Pluto” Written by Christopher Dirad, “Bottle Rocket Hearts” Written by Zoe Whittall.
Perhaps nothing excites a trip to Montreal more than Heather O'Neill's amazing work.In novels like “Lullaby for Little Criminals” and “Lonely Hearts Hotel” O'Neill captures the darkness and dreamlike atmosphere of the city in shimmering colors. O'Neill's latest work is “When We Lose Our Heads” is a dazzling confection that offers an astute glimpse into Montreal's Golden Square Mile district in the 19th century.
What stories offer a glimpse into modern-day Montreal?
Among the more contemporary books, literary gems abound. “Our Lady of Mile End” A collection of short stories written by Sara Gilbert and set in the region of the same name. “Ru” A gorgeous story of Vietnamese immigrants, written by Kim Thuy, woven from touching anecdotes.and “Bettors,” Created by Shawn Michaels, it evokes both the everyday and magical elements of the city.
What kind of book will take me behind closed doors?
Montreal's great novels evoke a sense of place and show us the behind-the-scenes experiences of people who live on the fringes for a variety of reasons. In a bitter symphony, “cockroach,” By Rawi Hage Struggling Lebanese immigrants imagine themselves as literal cockroaches. “Bones and Bread” Written by Salima Nawaz, this book depicts the turbulent lives of two orphaned sisters growing up in the Hasidic community of Mile End. For dark depictions of working life (and Montreal loves dark depictions of working life), consider this: “Dishwasher,” Written by Stéphane Laloux, adapted into film or fiery magic “prostitute” Written by Nellie Arcan.
What literary sites and bookstores should I visit?
Librairie Drawn & Quarterly is a beautiful independent bookstore located in the heart of Montreal's Plateau neighborhood. The company is also an internationally renowned comics publisher, including works by Kate Beaton, Adrian Tomine, Linda Barry, Chester Brown, and more. This bookstore's unique selection of books and its luxurious, unique interior are a must-see. Other great English bookstores to visit along the way: Librairie Saint-Henri Books, Argo Bookshop (Montreal's oldest indie store), and The Word.
