Heart Matters

by Adrienne Clarkson

Adrienne Clarkson’s beginnings—her family escaped from Japanese-occupied Hong Kong in 1942—were a harbinger of the drama that would echo through her life. After growing up in Ottawa, and studying in Toronto and France, she launched a successful CBC television career that lasted nearly three decades. Then in 1999, Clarkson returned to Ottawa to become Canada’s twenty-sixth Governor General—an office she transformed through her commitment, style, and compassion. Travelling thousands of kilometres to small communities in Canada and abroad, Clarkson reached out to Canadians everywhere, particularly to the North’s Aboriginal population. She also met with international figures from Queen Elizabeth to Nelson Mandela and Vladimir Putin, and hosted foreign dignitaries—including one whose entourage had to be dissuaded from sporting loaded pistols inside Rideau Hall. Clarkson forged a unique bond with the military in her position as Commander in Chief and travelled to Kosovo, Bosnia, the Arabian Gulf, and twice to Afghanistan to visit Canadian troops. Her determination to invest meaning in all her official actions created controversy at times, whether it was refashioning Rideau Hall into a real home and showcasing it for the public, or including writers and artists on state visits. Clarkson reflects on some of the behind-the-scenes machinations with a close-up view of how politics sometimes works. Heart Matters is more than a public life remembered. It chronicles an astonishing journey through triumph and turmoil. The always poised Clarkson reveals that life was not as smooth as it appeared, and with remarkable candour and poignancy, she reflects on the heartaches of her earlier years—her beautiful but troubled mother, the death of an infant, a divorce, and the estrangement from her two daughters and their later reunion. Insightful and inspiring, Heart Matters is an extraordinary work by an extraordinary Canadian.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Book Club, Politics, Canada, Autobiography

Hardcover

First published September 12, 2006

Reviews

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half, before Ms. Clarkson became the GG. I was a bit disappointed by all the name dropping and what came across as attempts to justify her actions. Her parents' history and her early years were very interesting and moving. I wanted to know more about the role of the GG but what I got from this was very dry.

[Darlene Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembrance Day: so appropriate that I read the last chapters on her duties relating to armed forces heroes today. A wonderful book that should be read by all Canadians and especially future Governor Generals.

[Swmbt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book and it has gotten me thinking about the role of the Governor General. Her explanation raises done very interesting questions about how the selection should be made etc.
it was a lovely book and i am happy i finally made the time to read it

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. Adrienne Clarkson provides a thorough and engaging description of a humble, brilliant woman and her various employment roles and her time as Canada’s Governor General. She is truly a national treasure.

[Victoria Dempster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fascinating parts and a beautiful ending.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always admired and been impressed by Adrienne Clarkson and after reading her memoir "Heart Matters", I can only be more so.

[Marica Rizzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe that she has lead a truely interesting and inspiring life. I share many of the same values with her and would give anything for the chance to meet her one day.

One thing that truely hit home was her patriotism and love for Canada. I share in this and, like her, believe that we undervalue our country's bilingualism. I am from the West Coast and the French language is no where to be found. There are few who speak it, and almost no one speaks it fluently, including myself. The brief lessons I received in highschool were insufficient to even spark an interest in learning the language, and the benefits of learning to speak a second language fluently were not communicated. I was recently living in Europe and was embarassed when Europeans quizzically asked why I could not speak French if I was from Canada.

I'm not finished reading yet, but I know that I have much to learn from Madame Adrienne Clarkson.

[crm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canada's first female and Chinese Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson is an accomplished woman who writes this book with candour. She doesn't avoid topics such as her first marriage, subsequent divorce and sometime estrangement from her daughters. She also writes about what makes her second marriage successful and reflects on what it means to be non-Chinese speaking Chinese person, the experience of emigration from Hong Kong to Canada and a return visit to her hometown in Guangdong.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have admired this woman for many years and her adopted nation. To know her story and that of her family only makes the rest of her life even more inspiring. Her sense of duty to her nation, her strength in character to overcome challenged circumstances and her ability to move forth through life moves me to share her story and the book.

[Stanley Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

entertaining memoir

[Nada Loughead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always respected and admired Ms. Clarkson - interesting look into her upbringing and life choices. http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...

[Marni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Adrienne Clarkson on TV and came back to Canada in 2014 and heard her Massey Lecture on Immigration on CBC radio. I have always admired her and enjoyed reading her memoir.

[Grace Burtt-Dykstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. An easy read, I continually said to myself 'who knew? It gave insight to the stories behind the headlines, a peek into the lives of royalty and she'd great light on politics. And I learned a lot about the position of the Governor General's duties and responsibilities. I was a great fan before I read the book. I certainly have great respect and admiration now.! I will read this again!!