The author David Chariandy discusses his critically acclaimed novel Brother (McClelland & Stewart, 2017), and the themes of race, violence, family, and the future that are throughout the novel, with Joseph Planta.

Brother by David Chariandy (McClelland & Stewart, 2017). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Brother

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

David Chariandy joins me now. He’s just published his second novel, and like his first, it’s getting great notices. Brother is about two brothers, Michael and Francis, the sons of immigrants, who feel uneasy in the country of their birth because of where they have grown up and live, as well as their ancestry. Being of black and brown ancestry holds them back, as that’s what their teachers and shopkeepers see. Francis, the older brother, sees a future in music. Michael sets his sights on Aisha. But then a tragic shooting follows, and the book explores prejudice, the experience of black men, gun violence, and policing. David Chariandy lives and teaches in Vancouver, but grew up in Toronto. His debut novel Soucoyant received remarkable reviews and many nominations from eleven literary awards juries, including the Governor General’s, and the Scotiabank Giller Prize. Brother is published by McClelland & Stewart, and it his second book. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, David Chariandy; Professor Chariandy, good morning.

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