Far from what we consider the drabness of our nation’s history, this book is one of the most fascinating I have ever read. If all history were written like this, nobody in Canada would declaim it boring again. Other reviewers point out its incredible ability to make the reader understand the suffering of the times. I feel obligated to point out Pierre’s ability to shed light on the amazing perseverance of Canada’s people and to celebrate their triumphs from a closer look at individual and group achievements, which altogether inspired the nation Canada eventually became. At times the nation pulled together as a people, despite the government’s indifference, which in the end makes this less of a tragedy and more of something to be revered. The book effectively demonstrates that, although Canada’s government gave up on its citizens, the people failed to give up on each other. Also noteworthy, as he did in “Flames Across the Border” Pierre again, though the comprehensive framework of the subject at hand is able to explain why Canada developed an identity so unlike its powerful neighbor to the south.

A thousands of heartaches, the millions suffering, and for no good reason. Pierre Berton's account of the Great Depression is both heartbreaking and upsetting. The cunning detail, the dense accuracy, and its honest account of our Canadian Government is jaring, but compelling. A must read!

Pierre Berton, the greatest Historian of our Nation, insightfully delivers captureing the sorrows and tradgedies brought forth by the Depression. Through his informative writing style Pierre brings to life the social, cultural and Potitical aspects of one of the lowest points in humanitie's modern history. As Canadians our outlook on our own heritage is too often overshadowed by that of our Southern neibours, but in my opinion Canadian history is much more facinating in that such a young nation had the ability to overcome the same problems as our enourmous north-american counterparts.

It is a must read for any Canadian who is willing to gain a deeper understanding of their national roots.

Why was this stuff not in school. I grew up with the homogenized history of the public education system. It is a shame so many of us have formed opinions of ourselves and our history based on myth. I trust Mr. Bertons style and the way he tells us about us. If "One flew over the cuckoo's nest" can be required reading in the Canadian cirriculum then we should have at least 3 major required readings from one of our own, Mr. Berton.