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Memoirs
Pierre Trudeau was prime minister of Canada from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984. This is his story, told in his own words.
Take a look through the book. When you do, you will find that this remarkable memoir has many qualities. It
PERSONAL
As if he were sitting across the table from you, Pierre Trudeau reminisces about his life in an informal, direct way. He starts with his memories of his family, especially his mother and father, to whom the book is dedicated. There are memorable events from childhood here, such as a visit to complain to the principal on his second day at school. Later there is a lunchroom encounter with a high school bully and then, at the age of fifteen, real tragedy.
“Aroused by the ringing of the telephone, I came out of my room to go downstairs and find out what was happening. But I froze on the landing when I heard the awful ‘Your father is dead, Pierre.’”
PHILOSOPHICAL
After an extensive education in Montreal, Boston, London, and Paris, Trudeau set off with a backpack to travel around the world. He tells how he went through one war zone after another, encountering armed bandits and being arrested in wartime Jordan as a Jewish spy. These adventures and further travels through India and war-torn China left with him a deep belief in the rights of the individual and the vital role of government in protecting these rights. He tells how his hatred of narrow nationalism reinforced his stand against requests for special treatment by successive Quebec governments.
POLITICAL
From the day he decided to go to Ottawa as a Liberal MP in 1965, Trudeau was clearly on a fast track. After becoming minister of justice in 1967 and tackling very controversial law reforms, he ran for the leadership and became prime minister in 1968 – the first Canadian leader born in the twentieth century. He talks about his use of “the Liberal machine” and all the electoral fights that followed over the year, providing interesting insights into his contests with national opponents such as Robert Stanfield, David Lewis, Joe Clark (a tougher opponent than the man who deposed him), Ed Broadbent, and Brian Mulroney, about whose virtues he is eloquently silent.
PERSONALITY-FILLED
As a leader whose time in office ran from the fall of Charles de Gaulle to the rise of Mikhail Gorbachev, Pierre Trudeau was able to exert his influence to break down the Cold War mentality. He enjoyed good personal rapport with such different leaders as Chou Enlai, Jimmy Carter, Fidel Castro, Helmut Schmidt, and François Mitterand. His relations with Richard Nixon and Margaret Thatcher were less warm, and he was less impressed by Ronald Reagan’s intellect than by the wisdom of the Queen.
PATRIOTIC
Whether they loved him or hated him, Canadians knew that in Pierre Trudeau’s time, the government stood up for Canada. He stood up to the domestic terrorism of the FLQ – and he makes no apologies here for his tough response to the October Crisis in 1970 – just as he stood up to the provincial premiers (including Réné Lévesque) who he believed were blocking the patriation of Canada’s constitution ten years later.
PERTINENT
The author’s preface ends with a word to you, the reader. “Whether you were a Liberal Cabinet colleague, a Canadian voter whose support we sought, or a young Canadian whose future we tried to improve, you are a part of this book.”
Take a look through the book. When you do, you will find that this remarkable memoir has many qualities. It
PERSONAL
As if he were sitting across the table from you, Pierre Trudeau reminisces about his life in an informal, direct way. He starts with his memories of his family, especially his mother and father, to whom the book is dedicated. There are memorable events from childhood here, such as a visit to complain to the principal on his second day at school. Later there is a lunchroom encounter with a high school bully and then, at the age of fifteen, real tragedy.
“Aroused by the ringing of the telephone, I came out of my room to go downstairs and find out what was happening. But I froze on the landing when I heard the awful ‘Your father is dead, Pierre.’”
PHILOSOPHICAL
After an extensive education in Montreal, Boston, London, and Paris, Trudeau set off with a backpack to travel around the world. He tells how he went through one war zone after another, encountering armed bandits and being arrested in wartime Jordan as a Jewish spy. These adventures and further travels through India and war-torn China left with him a deep belief in the rights of the individual and the vital role of government in protecting these rights. He tells how his hatred of narrow nationalism reinforced his stand against requests for special treatment by successive Quebec governments.
POLITICAL
From the day he decided to go to Ottawa as a Liberal MP in 1965, Trudeau was clearly on a fast track. After becoming minister of justice in 1967 and tackling very controversial law reforms, he ran for the leadership and became prime minister in 1968 – the first Canadian leader born in the twentieth century. He talks about his use of “the Liberal machine” and all the electoral fights that followed over the year, providing interesting insights into his contests with national opponents such as Robert Stanfield, David Lewis, Joe Clark (a tougher opponent than the man who deposed him), Ed Broadbent, and Brian Mulroney, about whose virtues he is eloquently silent.
PERSONALITY-FILLED
As a leader whose time in office ran from the fall of Charles de Gaulle to the rise of Mikhail Gorbachev, Pierre Trudeau was able to exert his influence to break down the Cold War mentality. He enjoyed good personal rapport with such different leaders as Chou Enlai, Jimmy Carter, Fidel Castro, Helmut Schmidt, and François Mitterand. His relations with Richard Nixon and Margaret Thatcher were less warm, and he was less impressed by Ronald Reagan’s intellect than by the wisdom of the Queen.
PATRIOTIC
Whether they loved him or hated him, Canadians knew that in Pierre Trudeau’s time, the government stood up for Canada. He stood up to the domestic terrorism of the FLQ – and he makes no apologies here for his tough response to the October Crisis in 1970 – just as he stood up to the provincial premiers (including Réné Lévesque) who he believed were blocking the patriation of Canada’s constitution ten years later.
PERTINENT
The author’s preface ends with a word to you, the reader. “Whether you were a Liberal Cabinet colleague, a Canadian voter whose support we sought, or a young Canadian whose future we tried to improve, you are a part of this book.”
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
21 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
39 books12 followersLe plus célèbre diplômé de l’Université de Montréal. Outre des études de droit à l’UdeM, Pierre Elliott Trudeau a étudié à l’Université Harvard, à l'École des Sciences Politiques de Paris et à la London School of Economics. Farouche opposant du gouvernement de Maurice Duplessis dans les années 50, il fonde, de concert avec d’autres intellectuels, la revue Cité libre et défend fermement les droits des travailleurs québécois. En 1961, il revient à l’Université de Montréal en devenant l’un des quatre premiers chercheurs du Centre de recherche en droit public (CRDP). Il enseignera à la Faculté de droit jusqu’à son entrée en politique en 1965.
Premier ministre du Canada de 1968 à 1979 et de 1980 à 1984, Pierre Elliott Trudeau a marqué la vie politique canadienne de la seconde moitié du XXe siècle. On lui doit entre autres l’adoption de la Loi sur les langues officielles, la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, et la Loi constitutionnelle de 1982 qui confirmait l’indépendance légale du Canada.
Libre penseur et ardent défenseur des droits de la personne, Pierre Elliott Trudeau a signé de nombreux articles qui témoignent d’une grande rigueur de pensée. En 1987, l’Université de Montréal le faisait docteur honoris causa pour son exceptionnelle contribution à la vie intellectuelle et politique canadienne. Cet honneur s’ajoutait à l’Ordre du mérite des diplômés de l’UdeM, qui lui a été décerné en 1974. Depuis 2000, le prix Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau est décerné à un étudiant de maîtrise ou de doctorat de l’UdeM qui se distingue par la qualité de ses travaux sur la justice sociale, le fédéralisme canadien ou les droits et libertés.
Premier ministre du Canada de 1968 à 1979 et de 1980 à 1984, Pierre Elliott Trudeau a marqué la vie politique canadienne de la seconde moitié du XXe siècle. On lui doit entre autres l’adoption de la Loi sur les langues officielles, la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, et la Loi constitutionnelle de 1982 qui confirmait l’indépendance légale du Canada.
Libre penseur et ardent défenseur des droits de la personne, Pierre Elliott Trudeau a signé de nombreux articles qui témoignent d’une grande rigueur de pensée. En 1987, l’Université de Montréal le faisait docteur honoris causa pour son exceptionnelle contribution à la vie intellectuelle et politique canadienne. Cet honneur s’ajoutait à l’Ordre du mérite des diplômés de l’UdeM, qui lui a été décerné en 1974. Depuis 2000, le prix Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau est décerné à un étudiant de maîtrise ou de doctorat de l’UdeM qui se distingue par la qualité de ses travaux sur la justice sociale, le fédéralisme canadien ou les droits et libertés.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 4, 2013
Excellent, but then I'm a big fan of this great Canadian that took on the job of PM, not for the $ (he had plenty) but for the love of his country. He was intelligent, well spoken and a class act. His memoir sheds light on some of the tough decisions and things he had to do as PM. Enjoyed it tremendously.
April 27, 2015
A thorough account of his childhood and years pursuing a formal education followed by a period pursuing an informal education by touring the world. Also a thorough account of his political life, and done with virtually no criticism of any of his political opponents. While reading his story, it was difficult to remember that he is no longer with us; it seemed that he was telling the story today. Having grown up and spent the first thirty years of my life in Western Canada, I was not a subscriber of Trudeaumania, and I sincerely regret not recognizing what a humanitarian he was and how his vision of Canada which has been passed on to his son Justin, aligns so well with my own. We are a country made beautiful because of our diversity and we must never lose sight of that or stop celebrating that diversity by respecting one another and the rights to which we are all entitled.
April 22, 2018
Fascinating look behind the scenes of power with intelligence on display that seems to have disappeared in today’s buzz word climate. He was a well read and well travelled man who understood the country and issues in a way that gave him perspective and allowed him to fundamentally alter the landscape of Canada. His memoirs shed a light on history and offer a compelling read.
September 14, 2021
While I'll admit to greatly admiring Pierre Elliott Trudeau, I did try to read his Memoirs with an unbaised view.
What I found was a man who attempted to view his world without bias, to plot a course of justice, equality and dynamism that has, in fact, shaped the very foundation of what it means to be Canadian.
His memoir is written in a very casual, conversational tone. You can almost hear him speaking. As such it's also a remarkable insight into the man, who, I believe, was not the arrogant tyrant some extreme right-wing individuals have believed, but rather a man of high intellect and ideals, somewhat self-effacing, who honestly didn't understand when other people could not see the justice and logic of a plan of action.
I believe this book should be a foundation piece in every personal and public library. Highly recommended.
What I found was a man who attempted to view his world without bias, to plot a course of justice, equality and dynamism that has, in fact, shaped the very foundation of what it means to be Canadian.
His memoir is written in a very casual, conversational tone. You can almost hear him speaking. As such it's also a remarkable insight into the man, who, I believe, was not the arrogant tyrant some extreme right-wing individuals have believed, but rather a man of high intellect and ideals, somewhat self-effacing, who honestly didn't understand when other people could not see the justice and logic of a plan of action.
I believe this book should be a foundation piece in every personal and public library. Highly recommended.
January 26, 2020
Found a copy of this at a garage sale recently. Not usually interested in anything to do with politicians but this was a most enlightening capture of Pierre Elliott Trudeau's years of service to Canada, including his many personal and public struggles, and much strategizing. Would highly recommend this for anyone wishing to better understand the legacy Trudeau left us. Could only wish that current politicians also reflect such high ideals.
February 3, 2022
Book provided great insight to many of the big initiatives and issues undertaken by the Trudeau government from 1968 to 1984. Trudeau explains his thinking and approaches on topics such as bilingualism to the first Quebec referendum and the reparation of the Canadian constitution. Trudeau was a polarizing PM but one with intelligence and leadership.
Book is well written with out delving into an avalanche of detail.
Book is well written with out delving into an avalanche of detail.
August 17, 2018
A review can't do it justice. It's simply amazing. Like a conversation with the man himself. A brilliant book written by a brilliant man, who I wish was still alive today. The world needs more men like him.
December 7, 2012
Published in 1993, this set of former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s memoirs briefly covers the first 49 years of his life including childhood, early world travels and entry into politics, and then concentrates on his time as Prime Minister from 1968-1984.
Anyone who is familiar with Trudeau’s time in office knows that humility was never his strong suit. But the man could lead – and here we gain insight into how he did that and how strong self-confidence (alright – arrogance) helped him to do it. You’ll want to have at least a basic understanding of the Canadian parliamentary system before reading this. A passing acquaintance with the political issues of the day such as Quebec’s push for sovereignty-association, and repatriation of the constitution would enrich your read but is not necessary.
Don’t expect in-depth political analysis: although this book weighs in at over two pounds when a similar sized volume might normally be a full half-pound lighter, the font is large, the text spaced, and there are a number of photographs throughout. And don’t expect any revelations about his personal life either. When in office, Trudeau scrupulously kept his family separate and apart from his political life. His memoirs’ contents mirror that.
Read this if: you loved him, or you hated him (Trudeau seemed to seldom leave anyone on the sidelines with regard to their feelings for him); you want a refresher on Canadian political history of the time (albeit from one point of view); or you want an introduction to one of Canada’s most widely-known and best-remembered leaders. 3½ stars
Anyone who is familiar with Trudeau’s time in office knows that humility was never his strong suit. But the man could lead – and here we gain insight into how he did that and how strong self-confidence (alright – arrogance) helped him to do it. You’ll want to have at least a basic understanding of the Canadian parliamentary system before reading this. A passing acquaintance with the political issues of the day such as Quebec’s push for sovereignty-association, and repatriation of the constitution would enrich your read but is not necessary.
Don’t expect in-depth political analysis: although this book weighs in at over two pounds when a similar sized volume might normally be a full half-pound lighter, the font is large, the text spaced, and there are a number of photographs throughout. And don’t expect any revelations about his personal life either. When in office, Trudeau scrupulously kept his family separate and apart from his political life. His memoirs’ contents mirror that.
Read this if: you loved him, or you hated him (Trudeau seemed to seldom leave anyone on the sidelines with regard to their feelings for him); you want a refresher on Canadian political history of the time (albeit from one point of view); or you want an introduction to one of Canada’s most widely-known and best-remembered leaders. 3½ stars
May 12, 2018
Articulate and quite fascinating, I enjoyed this very much. I have been meaning to explore Canadian history as we are considering a move to Canada, found this to be excellent source of recent history.
March 22, 2007
The high point of this book arrives on page 122, with a picture of Trudeau having a chat with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The caption reads:
"I was pleased to receive John Lennon (a member of the Beatles) and his wife, Yoko Ono, in Ottawa in December 1969.
He was kind enough to say afterwards: 'If all politicians were like Mr. Trudeau, there would be world peace.'
I must say that 'give peace a chance' has always seemed to me to be sensible advice."
Also included is a full page spread of Trudeau canoeing, some shots of Trudeau dancing, and, on page 267, a shirtless Trudeau appearing to walk on water. He quips: "Had they seen this photograph they might have been even more impressed by my apparent abilities."
By far the best historical slide show ever printed.
"I was pleased to receive John Lennon (a member of the Beatles) and his wife, Yoko Ono, in Ottawa in December 1969.
He was kind enough to say afterwards: 'If all politicians were like Mr. Trudeau, there would be world peace.'
I must say that 'give peace a chance' has always seemed to me to be sensible advice."
Also included is a full page spread of Trudeau canoeing, some shots of Trudeau dancing, and, on page 267, a shirtless Trudeau appearing to walk on water. He quips: "Had they seen this photograph they might have been even more impressed by my apparent abilities."
By far the best historical slide show ever printed.
July 14, 2009
As Trudeau explains, this auto-biography includes a compliation of his transcripts from a series of interviews with the CBC during his later years. I have always been fascinated by Trudeau's impact on the Canadian public because he was a leader before my time, and this book revealed to me an arrogance and a stubborness I did not understand before - neither quality of which I think he tried to hide either in life or this book. Yet, I could also see how 'Trudeaumania' could have existed. In the end, Trudeau has become a polarizing figure for Canadians, but his legacy has been captured well in this read. I do recommend it for any Canadian.
June 6, 2013
Very readable...it is like a conversation with an intelligent friend. I admired PET and having read his autobiography, respect him even more. It wasn't an easy 'reign' but I lived it and mostly enjoyed it. Thanks Pierre!
September 4, 2015
Really enjoyed it. Provided a really interesting, although probably somewhat biased :), behind the scenes look at one of our greatest Prime Ministers.
November 25, 2015
Interesting insights in to the personal experiences that shaped Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau's values and decisions.
November 4, 2017
I was 16 years old when PET first came into power and this book brought be back to the 'Trudeaumania' days. It also reinforced my admiration of his governing style.
June 14, 2021
The Mind behind the Scenes. A Rare Glimpse of History Unfolding.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau shares a rather personal perspective on the events surrounding his tenure as Canadian Prime Minister. His observations on world events provides an appreciation of the mind behind some of his many outrageous antics and fierce battles. And his perspective provides some cause for reflection on this world around us.
Trudeau shares his own thoughts on the many historical events and players around him during his life as a politician. He takes great pride in his many accomplishments and contributions as a key player in the ongoing story of Canada.
Even if we disagree with his politics, this memoir gives us some understanding of Trudeau’s motivation and reasoning. It helps us understand the challenges he faced and what lay behind his actions.
August 12, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is always interesting to get some background information about historical events and a different perspective on what had happened.
For a better understanding, basic information about Canadian politics in the 60s, 70s, and 80s is needed.
Trudeau has a great narration style, and it is like he is sitting there telling you about his life. He shortly talks about his childhood, youths, and adolescence but focuses on his years as Prime Minister. Trudeau reflects on his policies, explains why he has acted the way he did, and even points out mistakes he made.
The book is full of photographs, which make you realize that all of this really happened.
This is not just a book for Canadians and people living in Canada but a great read for everyone interested in (international) politics and remarkable personalities.
For a better understanding, basic information about Canadian politics in the 60s, 70s, and 80s is needed.
Trudeau has a great narration style, and it is like he is sitting there telling you about his life. He shortly talks about his childhood, youths, and adolescence but focuses on his years as Prime Minister. Trudeau reflects on his policies, explains why he has acted the way he did, and even points out mistakes he made.
The book is full of photographs, which make you realize that all of this really happened.
This is not just a book for Canadians and people living in Canada but a great read for everyone interested in (international) politics and remarkable personalities.
February 19, 2025
I got this because I thought Trudeau might be a clever idiot. But he's not, he's just a knucklehead. If Lou Ford was as stupid as he pretends to be and if Lou Ford was Trudeau, then you'd see how stupid Trudeau was - as stupid as Lou Ford pretended to be. He's really that stupid.
No wonder the son is as stupid as a bag of hammers - unless Castro is as stupid as Lou Ford pretended to be too.
Notice he's dressed up like an Indian on the cover. Where there's smoke-signals there's fire. Where there's trees, there's acorns - that fell not far from them.
No wonder the son is as stupid as a bag of hammers - unless Castro is as stupid as Lou Ford pretended to be too.
Notice he's dressed up like an Indian on the cover. Where there's smoke-signals there's fire. Where there's trees, there's acorns - that fell not far from them.
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November 18, 2022Only read the first part. Always thought Trudeau's young life was interesting, and he actually re-counts some of his travels that I hadn't known about before including one to Mexico as a University student.
Also I understand he is a bit mum about his early Political involvement in more Nationalistic Quebec politics during the 2nd world war.
Also I understand he is a bit mum about his early Political involvement in more Nationalistic Quebec politics during the 2nd world war.
October 10, 2025
Not bad! Interesting guy and important prime minister so I think the subject matter was bound to be engaging.
As far as the book goes, at times I liked the conversational style, at times I found it almost a bit patronizing. PET was famously big-brained and had a lot of important stuff to say about Canada....but not a lot of that comes out here other than at a very surface level.
As far as the book goes, at times I liked the conversational style, at times I found it almost a bit patronizing. PET was famously big-brained and had a lot of important stuff to say about Canada....but not a lot of that comes out here other than at a very surface level.
April 22, 2019
A book I've wanted to read for over ten years. I finally found it at a used book sale two weeks ago. A solid 3.5 stars about his time before and during office. If you're looking for personal details about his marriage, he doesn't get into that. He sticks mostly to his professional life.
September 13, 2024
Les premières 50 pages environ sont des souvenirs d’enfance et non un mémoire politique. Mais plus on avance, plus on y sent l’intensité (certains ennemis diraient arrogance) de cet homme remarquable qui est parvenu à façonner un pays progressiste, ouvert sur le monde.
February 19, 2025
While sometimes less detailed, it's such a solid read as a document from a legend in Canadian politics. The challenges and fights and accomplishments take time to get to but once the politics hit, the book finds its ground.
February 26, 2021
An interesting self-reflection of one of the best parliamentarians. Trudeau walks through decades of life with ease, proving his valuable contributions to the country.
November 16, 2025
Very interesting.
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August 20, 2012I snatched this one from my mom's bookshelf. I really didn't know anything about PET except my family didn't like him, so I correctly assumed him to a liberal, and that he created PETRO CAN, which my aunt told me (when I was about 10) that it stood for 'Pierre Elliot Trudeau Ripped Off Canada. In the back cover of the book there was a review which I made the mistake of reading. As discussed in the review, the book was written in very simple terms, for such an intellectual, and it didn't go in depth at all about his early years, or his family. I did find the book very interesting as I was quite young when he was Prime Minister, and I studied a bit of his politics in University.
In general I was fascinated with his life. He back packed throughout the world, was extremely well educated, very balanced and a true 'thinker'. I realize of course that this book was simply from his point of view, but I really think he did a lot of good for Canada. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys (a simply written) an autobiography
In general I was fascinated with his life. He back packed throughout the world, was extremely well educated, very balanced and a true 'thinker'. I realize of course that this book was simply from his point of view, but I really think he did a lot of good for Canada. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys (a simply written) an autobiography
January 16, 2010
A broad, interesting, but hardly piercing autobiography. Mr Trudeau's self-confidence is evident everywhere and he often quotes other's opinions of him, a somewhat annoying habit. His belief in the individual is well-outlined but I find it at variance with his promotion of cultural pluralism. I am disappointed that his self-confidence prevented a more thorough searching of his heart and experiences, especially in light of his historical significance.
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November 21, 2013This book turned me into a P. Trudeau admirer. However, it is a bit disheartening to know that it was in fact possible to get a Canadian Charter of Rights without a "not withstanding clause", had some very well intentioned people chosen to not to compromise on this issue.
March 13, 2019
Gives his perspective on the events and factors that shaped his life. In particular the loss of his Father. Chronicles his political career from his own point of view. Some incites into the workings of the Man which I enjoyed.
March 31, 2021
Autobiography. Interesting look at the political scene at the time. Enjoyable. I always remembered how his mother made him speak to the principal about how he should be advanced - in kindergarten. Helped me make my own girls speak up for themselves instead of my always stepping in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews