The Promise of Canada
I was looking for my second book on Canadian history in the Toronto Library after finishing “A History of Canada in Ten Maps” by Adam Shoalts. The book gave me a historical perspective of how Canada’s geography came into being. It talked about how various explorers took dangerous and arduous voyages to explore and map the unknown northern North America, which we now know as Canada. I wanted a book that talks about the history of Canada through its people and culture.
Browsing through a section of books dedicated to Canada, I came across a book titled “The Promise of Canada, 150 Years – People and Ideas That Have Shaped Our Country” by Charlotte Gray. I read the snippet on the cover fold and found it interesting, so I picked it up as my next read.
Written in the lead-up to Canada’s 150th anniversary, this book explores the nation’s history through the lives of nine influential Canadians. Each of them played a pivotal role in shaping the country as it stands today. Through their stories and contributions, the book traces Canada’s evolution over the past 150 years.
The author offers a concise memoir of nine influential figures featured in her book, highlighting their contributions to shaping Canada as it is today. Beginning with George-Étienne Cartier, a key architect of modern Canada, alongside the nation’s first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, she delves into the lives of remarkable and significant individuals.
I found the story of Sam Steele and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) truly captivating. The author delves into the origins of the “Mounties” and how their portrayal in films transformed them into larger-than-life figures, almost like superheroes. Samuel Steele’s story was once widely celebrated and reached legendary status, yet after his passing, it gradually faded into obscurity.
The author explores the life and legacy of Emily Carr, a trailblazing artist whose work left a lasting impact. She also delves into Margaret Atwood’s influential role in Canadian literature, highlighting her contributions in bringing it to a global audience. Additionally, the book examines Professor Harold Innis’s theory on the export of Canada’s natural staples, such as fur and lumber, and its broader effects on the country’s development.
The author explores the journey of Bertha Williams, the first woman to serve on the Canadian Supreme Court, highlighting her groundbreaking rulings. She also delves into Tommy Douglas’s visionary Medicare initiative and the impactful leadership of Elijah Harper, the book’s sole First Nations representative. Additionally, the book features brief vignettes that offer glimpses into the lives of a mayor, an artist, a rapper, a journalist, and a business innovator.
A central theme of the book is the profound impact of individuals and ideas in shaping Canada as it is today. Through the life stories of key figures, readers gain insight into the country’s past and its journey of transformation. It explores how immigrants, primarily from the UK and Europe in the early years, found a home in Canada, and how the nation gradually embraced diversity despite initial reservations. The book offers a compelling narrative of Canada’s evolution, enriched with fascinating insights and memorable anecdotes.
A thoughtfully written book, making it both accessible and engaging for readers. The author has skillfully researched and selected influential figures whose biographies collectively narrate Canada’s rich history. A compelling read for anyone eager to explore the nation’s past and the individuals who helped shape it.
About The Author
Charlotte Gray, one of Canada’s pre-eminent biographers and historians, has won many awards for her work, including the prestigious Pierre Berton Award for a body of historical writing, the Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction, the Ottawa Book Award, the Toronto Book Award, and the CAA Birks Family Foundation Award for Biography. Over nine superb biographies, from Mrs. King and Sisters in the Wilderness to The Massey Murder, and masterful books such as The Museum Called Canada and Canada: A Portrait in Letters, she has brought our past to vivid life. Gray is a Member of the Order of Canada and was a panelist on the 2013 edition of CBC Radio’s Canada Reads. She lives in Ottawa.