Coming to Canada: A Q&A with an avid reader whose “story” didn’t begin in Canada
By Maya B.
“I love Canada, It’s a wonderful political act of faith that exists atop a breathtakingly beautiful land”
— Author Yann Martel
As of 2020, there were approximately eight million immigrants with permanent residence living in Canada — roughly 21.5% of the total Canadian population.
My (new-ish) friend Nahid is one of them. I met Nahid during Covid. (I know, right?!)
With lockdowns and physical distancing, it was a challenge, but we were lucky.
Our daughters had met at school and formed a close friendship. They were missing each other during the lockdown, so when restrictions were lifted at city parks last summer, Nahid and I planned to meet so our kids could socialize. Safely, distantly, outside.
I also thought it would be nice for me to spend an afternoon outdoors and even nicer to speak to someone outside my small “bubble” for a change.
I could not imagine what actually happened. While making small talk, I could tell that Nahid was an immigrant. From her language and expression, I surmised that she had been here for many years.
I was wrong. Nahid, her husband, and their two daughters came to Canada in 2018.
In their native Bangladesh, they were from upper class families, but realities for them here were different. Educated in European universities, they are both academics.
I was none the wiser about this until that day in the park. So, when Nahid asked me if I knew any good Canadian authors? Well, I almost fell off the fence!
We were both thrilled to have found a passionate common ground: Literature.
Nahid asked me to recommend some good Canadian fiction by female authors since, as she said, “After moving here, I realized I’m not familiar with Canadian literature except Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood, and Leonard Cohen,” admitting she was “completely ignorant” of other female Canadian authors.
As we talked, I made a running list of books she should read as our daughters ran around in the park. Finally, dusk arrived, and it was too dark to sit outdoors.
“Email me the list,” Nahid asked. But I refused. I told her we should meet again next week, and then I would bring her the list, saying I wanted to think on it a little more.
The following week, as planned, we met again. But, this time, we sat under the trees on a scorching and humid summer afternoon.
Instead of a list of books, I brought her actual books. When I handed them to Nahid, she was mesmerized. I gifted those books to Nahid — six of my favourites —because I already felt our blossoming friendship was meant to be. Nahid is humble, wonderful, kind, giving, helpful, and caring. I adore her.
So, I wanted to share some of what I learned about Nahid with you — how different reading is in Bangladesh and how, in her words, “Learning about the Indigenous people in Canada and how they have been treated was a punch to my face.” I also learned why Bengali readers haven’t read Margaret Atwood and, finally, who her favourite Canadian author is.
Coming to Canada: A Q&A With An Avid Immigrant Reader Whose “Story” Didn’t Begin In Canada
RE:BOOKS: Can you give us a brief background on where you are originally from and what brought you to Canada?
NAHID: I was born and raised in Bangladesh, a small country in South Asia. I didn’t have any specific reason to immigrate. Yet, I think I wanted to raise our two daughters in a more liberal and multicultural society. I got bored and tired of a corporate job and wanted to explore the wider world.
RE:BOOKS: Were you a reader as a child? Were you encouraged to read as a child, and if so, by whom?
NAHID: Yes, I was. I don’t remember running, chasing, or playing outdoors. I’ve been an avid reader from a very young age. I was mostly encouraged by my father, who was a history professor. And he was a passionate reader himself. I read all the classic European fairytales. Unfortunately, because of the colonial hangover, the local stories, folk, and Indigenous tales are not as widely available as the Disney fables are.
RE:BOOKS: In your native country, have there been any restrictions on certain printed materials during your lifetime? Are there still restrictions on reading selections today?
NAHID: Oh yes! When I was a young girl, feminism was a taboo subject. A famous feminist writer from Bangladesh named Taslima Nasrin was exiled for her writing against patriarchy and religion. The government not only banned her books but also forced her to leave her native country. She isn’t allowed to return. In the ‘90s, there was an uproar against Salman Rushdie for his book The Satanic Verses. Over the past few years, things have changed a little bit. Feminism is not taboo anymore. However, homosexuality, atheism, and anything criticizing religion are not safe.
RE:BOOKS: I know you received your education in Bangladesh but also abroad. Where did you study and what is your profession?
NAHID: I did my bachelor’s degree in public administration and my MBA in human resources management. I’ve been working in higher education for over a decade. Currently, I’m also doing MEd in educational leadership.
RE:BOOKS: When you came to Canada, what was the first Canadian book you read? Who suggested it, and did you enjoy it?
NAHID: Well, since my country was a British colony for 200 years, we’re familiar with English literature, especially the classics and popular ones. Our education system had been inherited from the colonial period, so we learn English from a very young age. At the university level, instruction is mainly in English. However, after moving here, I realized I’m not familiar with Canadian literature except Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood, and Leonard Cohen. Then you introduced me to Amy McKay and Miriam Toews. I love them both, especially Miriam—she became one of my favourites.
RE:BOOKS: We’ve discussed Canadian literature before, and I introduced you to some excellent Canadian female authors. Did you hear of those authors beforehand? For example, did you know of Margaret Atwood before coming to Canada?
NAHID: Yes, I’ve heard of Margaret Atwood before coming to Canada (thanks to the TV series!). But I was completely ignorant of other young female authors who are incredible. Thanks a bunch for introducing them to me!
RE:BOOKS: Now that you’ve been in Canada for a while, how much of what you read is Canadian. Do you have a favourite Canadian author?
NAHID: To be honest, not much! But for my MEd program, I read many writings by Canadian academics. I am learning about Indigenous Canadian writers. During the pandemic, I enjoyed reading Rupi Kaur. My favourite Canadian author is Alice Munro. She can’t be beaten!
RE:BOOKS: Are there major differences in contemporary Canadian literature compared to the literature in your native country?
NAHID: The answer is yes and no! I think because of social media, young generations across the globe think and express themselves similarly. The global political scenario is similar, too, with the rise of right-wing conservative political power in many countries. In my home country, radical Islamisation is rising while Canada is fighting against racism and anti-Muslim hate crime. As a liberal person, I feel victimized in both contexts. I think the free thinkers are the minority everywhere.
RE:BOOKS: When you read books by Canadian authors and/or Canadian content, are there things you learn about our country that surprise you? If you can, think of one fact about Canada that you read about and that no one told you beforehand.
NAHID: Oh yes! For example, learning about the Indigenous people in Canada and how they have been treated was a punch to my face. Canada has prided itself on being a bastion of democracy, peace, and kindness worldwide. I felt betrayed by the double standard when I learned how children have been abused, women have been lost, and people have been denied justice and human rights.
RE:BOOKS: You’ve told me in the past that you were interested in translating books into your native language. What audience are you hoping to capture with those books, and what books would you be interested in translating and why?
NAHID: I want to translate Margaret Atwood. Sadly, Bengali readers haven’t read her to date. Well, I didn’t think about the audience. Classic literature has the power to unite people across borders and time. So, I assume writers like Margaret Atwood would be read and appreciated by all generations.
RE:BOOKS: And finally, what would you say is your favourite thing about Canada that you never saw or experienced anywhere else?
NAHID: Undoubtedly the diversity, multiculturalism, inclusion, and tolerance. Every society has pros and cons, and I admired the places I had been to before. But Canada wins for its uniqueness of differences.
***
And with that? I hope we can all start suggesting our favourite books written by Canadian female writers to newcomers who want to know about our inspiring homegrown authors. And may you be blessed as I was. What can I say? She had me at hello “Can you recommend some Canadian books?”
xo
Maya B.