Customer Reviews

Pierre:: Colleagues and Friends Talk about the Trudeau They Knew

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a memorable, entertaining, and moving compilation of memories of Canada's most intriguing and charismatic prime minister. Southam, a close personal friend of Trudeau, asked former colleagues, staff, lovers, friends, and fellow heads of state to write about the man that they knew. The result is a portrait of an amazingly gifted, shy, feisty, complex man with an insatiable love and curiosity for the world, and a deep love and closeness with his children.

Whether you're Canadian or not, I promise you that you will enjoy reading this fascinating compilation of stories and thoughts about one of the most accomplished and intriguing people of the 20th century.

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A little pricey but a faceted portrait of a great man--mostly admirers but some foes who still respected him.

The compiler collected vignettes written by many people. My favorite was Margot Kidder's. I didn't understand Leonard Cohen's contribution.

The only small quibble is some of the history may be puzzling to Americans. What was the patriation of the Constitution and why was Canada so divided about it, for example. But unmistakably through all that emerges a grand painting.

The book is illustrated--my favorite is a cartoon of his back, sailing away in a canoe.

Ms. Southam, well done.

This offers largely the same puffy Trudeau hagiography that you'll find in the biographies of the man. Quoting Conrad Black's chapter on Trudeau, Mark Steyn of the Telegraph Group says:

'Fortunately, Conrad Black is on hand to keep things in proportion. In 'Pierre: Colleagues and Friends Talk About the Trudeau They Knew', Black concludes his appreciation thus:

"I always found him a delightful conversationalist and a gracious host, though perhaps slow to reach for the bill in a restaurant, even when we were there on his invitation."

Too true. He left us with the bill, in every sense.'