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I chose Canada: The memoirs of the Honourable Joseph R. "Joey" Smallwood
Book by Smallwood, Joseph Roberts
600 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1973
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15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 5, 2020
Very interesting, but too long! In his own words, it appears he was revered, even worshipped, as the hero that brought Newfoundland into Canada. It was a bitter, divisive time, but the public were, for the most part, on his side.
However, after Confederation with Canada, what to do first? Yes, money was now pouring in. The citizens now had OAP and family allowance. Canada had agreements to pay NL for infrastructure and development. But Newfoundland was only 300,000 people....how to raise taxes enough that the public would put up with it, and provide the infrastructure they now expect, and still have money left over to build the infrastructure and industry needed to create jobs? I found this part of the story fascinating.
Joey's tales about meeting with and drawing in only the best and brightest is inspirational. His ethics were of a time which is now passed, sadly. He talks of times when the opposition would be onside with something he wanted to do because it was the right thing to do. What happened to our governments since that day? Mind you, he speaks badly of Diefenbaker for not standing up for him when he had needs that the rest of Canada was not interested in supplying. After all, he had done at least 4 big favors for Diefenbaker. Where was the favor returned? That's politics! Too bad!
All very interesting, but only 3 stars because it was WAAYYY too long. Too much reminiscing about other people, how he met them, what happened to them....but overall, a great read. This book should be condensed and taught in schools.
However, after Confederation with Canada, what to do first? Yes, money was now pouring in. The citizens now had OAP and family allowance. Canada had agreements to pay NL for infrastructure and development. But Newfoundland was only 300,000 people....how to raise taxes enough that the public would put up with it, and provide the infrastructure they now expect, and still have money left over to build the infrastructure and industry needed to create jobs? I found this part of the story fascinating.
Joey's tales about meeting with and drawing in only the best and brightest is inspirational. His ethics were of a time which is now passed, sadly. He talks of times when the opposition would be onside with something he wanted to do because it was the right thing to do. What happened to our governments since that day? Mind you, he speaks badly of Diefenbaker for not standing up for him when he had needs that the rest of Canada was not interested in supplying. After all, he had done at least 4 big favors for Diefenbaker. Where was the favor returned? That's politics! Too bad!
All very interesting, but only 3 stars because it was WAAYYY too long. Too much reminiscing about other people, how he met them, what happened to them....but overall, a great read. This book should be condensed and taught in schools.
October 14, 2023
This is a very grandiose memoir, and Joey gives little attention to what are probably the most exciting and controversial decisions of his premiership.
January 5, 2021
Purchased for $1 at community radio station fund raising yard sale.
This book was quite interesting. I particularly liked Smallwood's description of what life in Newfoundland was like one hundred and twenty years ago. Even though it was interesting the first 75-100 pages isn't about Smallwood but his grand father and father make a name for themselves. Later, after he gets past his retirement, he blathers on for a whole chapter about his fascination with Maoist China. That chapter should have been cut.
After reading I had a good appreciation of the complexities of the Churchill falls debacle.
This book was quite interesting. I particularly liked Smallwood's description of what life in Newfoundland was like one hundred and twenty years ago. Even though it was interesting the first 75-100 pages isn't about Smallwood but his grand father and father make a name for themselves. Later, after he gets past his retirement, he blathers on for a whole chapter about his fascination with Maoist China. That chapter should have been cut.
After reading I had a good appreciation of the complexities of the Churchill falls debacle.
February 5, 2017
I'm surprised that there are only 12 ratings for this book ; it should be much more widely read by students of Newfoundland and Canadian history. Contrversial, feisty, opinionated,driven by boundless energy Joey Smallwood dragged Newfoundland into the the 20th century and the Dominion of Canada. Like his counterpart in British Columbia W.A.C. Bennett, he didn't like the state of his province when he became Premier so he did something about it. Like all great politicians he didn't let mere politics get in the way of getting the job done . One of the greats of Newfoundland and Canadian history.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews