The author reflects on their relationship with Canada, shaped by Quebec's distinct cultural identity and personal experiences. Despite feelings of ambivalence, a pivotal moment during the 1995 separatism referendum sparked a sense of belonging to Canada, acknowledging both its fragility and value. The author critiques nationalism's impact on literary evaluation and recognizes Canada's uneven promises. The narrative emphasizes an ongoing struggle with identity, belonging, and the recognition of Canada's imperfections alongside its cultural significance.
As a literary critic, I came to regard nationalism as a suspicious framework for judging books. Mistaking representation for quality, it insisted on seeing excellence where it didn't exist.
I felt a surge of connection, of collective identity I hadn't known I carried. Canada felt fragile, and suddenly precious.
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