The Promise of Canada: 150 Years--People and Ideas That Have Shaped Our Country Hardcover – October 18, 2016

Charlotte Gray, one of Canada’s best know writers of non-fiction, has produced another gem. The Promise of Canada: 150 years of People and Ideas that have shaped our Country is the one volume I would hope most Canadians read this year. Beginning with George-Etienne Cartier and finishing up with Preston Manning she provides insights into the soul of our country. Three particular chapters stood out for me. Her writing about Emily Carr and her art was entrancing. Most commentary on art is vapid gibberish. Hers is insightful, probing, thoughtful and prosaic. Similarly her writing about Justice Bertha Wilson brings to life a truly remarkable woman who forged a trail in law that broke many a glass ceiling. The chapter on Elijah Harper provides the best explanation of the case aboriginals have for a fundamental reform from how we have treated them the past. If I had to pick one book to give this Christmas this is it.

I have read histories of Canada and admit to be a Canadaphile, but The Promise of Canada gave me a different perspective of this great and fascinating neighbor. Taking a different approach, the author highlights several not-so-major historical figures who nevertheless give the reader an essential understanding and appreciation of The True North Strong and Free.

Really interesting view of pivotal moments in Canada's history. Greatly appreciate the authors willingness to dig deep rather than fill the book with the usual suspects. All the chapters involve names and topics you "kind of" know...but give insight into who, what and how.

Excellent book, easy to read and perfect to get acquainted with Canadian history to refresh one's memory. Should be translated into French for all Quebecers to read and others, of course.

If you want to learn about real people in Canada, not just figures that are typically mentioned in history books, then read this book.

This made a great gift to my husband's cousin who is an aspiring public policy employee in Toronto. Super great stories that are empowering

I read a bit of the book already, and well get back to this review when completed.

Very good story

Took a while to arrive, but my husband has taken it to read, so I cannot rate it fully yet! MANY THANKS

Just in time for the sesquicentennial, Charlotte Gray has produced a wonderful celebration of Canada's history through a series of highly insightful biographies of Canadians who had a real impact on what we are and could become. Her choices are themselves fascinating, including Cartier (rather than Macdonald), Elijah Harper, Margaret Atwood, Tommy Douglas and Preston Manning (what, not Pierre Trudeau?). In each portrait, she weaves a rich tapestry of the threads that bind us together. A truly splendid book. Highly recommended.

We did this book for Book Club and we all loved it. What was most interesting, was that some of the people chosen we had not heard of or knew very little of their contribution to the development of Canada as a nation. If we were familiar with the person it was often a surprise just how little we knew of their actual contribution and influence! We are all avid readers and this certainly surprised us. One can not possibly ever be disappointed by anything written by Charlotte Gray! We all felt there needed to be consideration for this book in the High Schoolmcurriculum!

Narrative is outstanding, feeling in the history moment was easy. An easy read for all, will take it back again soon.

A terrific read......well written, entertaining, and educational.......an fascinating portrait of 8 great Canadians who all played key roles in shaping our country.