Strange Breed: New Canadian Comedy

2017 | Fiction & Poetry

In late 2014, in a commanding and condemning voice that brooked no argument, a devastating edict was handed down from high up on CanLit Mountain: "It seems to me that laughter is too easy a way to face the 'wilderness of this world'; you can too easily laugh yourself past the difficulties. Laughter is not a way to understand; it is, basically, a method of elusion." These measured words of Governor General's Award-winning novelist Rudy Wiebe were intended to once and for all settle the debate as to where "comedy" should be placed on the scale of literary importance: beneath the righteous boot heels of true Canadian literati. Mucking about in the dirt and slop. Cavorting with earthworms and mole people. Balderdash, we say! Bunkum! Hogwash! Balls to that! This anthology reminds the nation how important our humor is, by forcefully responding to this challenge as forcefully as Canadians can: by politely proving the esteemed Mr. Wiebe wrong. No topic is taboo; no target is safe. This is a collection of fiction and poetry, genres and styles, and many of the angles humor may take.

Close to 40 authors offer their subtle wit and bawdy humor, giggles that counterbalance guffaws, gut-busters to share space with that which make you stroke your chin and say "That's a good one.

Corey Redekop (Author)