Canada Through American Eyes

Through American Eyes uses fiction to reveal histories of racism and sexism that complicate Canada's perception of exceptional multicultural inclusivity when compared to its southern neighbor. Canada is often seen as irrelevant and presumed to be so similar to the US that it does not warrant consideration when formulating new conceptual frameworks or as a safe haven and place of refuge granting Canada a "better than" status. Jennifer Andrews' writing prompts thoughtful reflection on who benefits from the perpetuation of specific Canadian national stereotypes and why they remain in circulation. Through American Eyes purposefully develops new ways of thinking about the historical and contemporary roots of Canadian exceptionalism and, in doing so, helps to reconfigure how scholars understand Canada-US relations.In studying a selection of contemporary American authors and novels, Andrews aims to alter how readers on both sides of the Canada-US border understand Canada's past, present, and future. Employing these novels as case studies, this book offers close readings of key moments in Canadian historical and literary studies to explore how Canada has strategically positioned itself in relation to the United States and why American perspectives on Canada offer an important contrast to dominant narratives of Canadian nationality and identity in the post-millennial era.