Mes histoires

by CHRETIEN JEAN

Pour marquer le 25e anniversaire de son élection à titre de premier ministre du Canada, Jean Chrétien a décidé de prendre la plume et de raconter quelques épisodes savoureux de sa longue et prestigieuse carrière. « Je n’ai écrit ni mes mémoires ni un livre d’histoire. En fait, je me suis amusé à coucher sur papier toutes ces anecdotes que je prends plaisir à raconter à ma famille ou à mes amis après un bon souper », prévient-il. L’ex-premier ministre en profite enfin pour rendre hommage à des amis et à d’ex-collègues, chefs d’État ou acteurs de l’ombre. Ses mots les plus tendres, c’est toutefois à celle qu’il appelle affectueusement son « roc de Gibraltar », Aline Chrétien, son épouse depuis plus de 60 ans, qu’il les réserve.

Genres: Politics, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Canada, Memoir, Biography Memoir

Paperback

First published October 16, 2018

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars - especially if you read it in Chretien's iconic voice*

So. So. Fun! Like a grandfather telling stories, this is a nation-shaping Prime Minister bouncing around his entire career, and some parts before, in no particular order with no particular lessons in mind. It's a classic behind-the-curtain look at a figure remembered with fondness on both sides of the House.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This simple but joyous collection of anecdotes and memories fills me with two reactions: (1) I miss Jean Chretien and his leadership very much; (2) I have never been prouder and more sure of my own Liberal credentials. I hitched my destiny to an enduring philosophy...confirmed in the pages of this lovely book.

[SM · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 stars** This was a fun read! It was a compilation of anecdotes throughout the former PM's career. It almost felt like a family member was telling you stories from their past. I was surprised at how much I found myself laughing out loud. I didn't know Chrétien was so funny! If you enjoy politics, I would def recommend this book to you!

[Ty Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cet livre de récits par Jean Chrétien est extraordinairement intéressant et humouristique. Il a été député de 1963 à 2003, ce qui était une période de transformation énorme pour le Canada. Pendant ces années il a entré dans plein de situations bizarres et/ou importants. Dans ce livre il raconte des histoires avec des personnages plus grand que vie comme Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Jacques Chirac, Maurice Duplessis et Pierre Trudeau. Chrétien est honnête à propos des énormes responsabilités qui restent avec une première ministre, mais il reste toujours léger et c'est apparent qu'il a dérivé de joie de chaque jour de sa vie. Les chapitres de ce livre sont seulement quelques pages longue, ce qui le rend très agréable à lire. Chaque chapitre est une histoire distincte, et ils ne sont pas dans une ordre chronologique. Cet livre était très plaisant à lire; pour apprendre à propos de l'histoire du Canada et aussi le tempérament de cet homme d'importance historique énorme.

[Kurt M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few stories were very good. Insightful, funny, and showed how JC was a good leader who really kept Canadian's best interest in mind in decision making. About a third way through we start seeing a mix of stories that and more ramblings of this or that with a lot of names of people Jean did things with whom I don't recognize.

I got about halfway through and couldn't go on unfortunately. The stories became less interesting to me.

[Shels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an autobiography but a bunch of little anecdotes that demonstrate what a simple and funny man Chrétien is. Some of the stories went on too long but this book was easy to digest
Quickly and jog memories for what went on in politics in the 90s. Like the Bill Clinton anecdotes -

[Jean-François Lisée · Rating 1 out of 5]

Un livre très faiblement intéressant, avec des trous, que je bouche ici dans ma recension: http://jflisee.org/les-trous-de-memoi...

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been on a recent spin, reading books by some of our previous prime ministers.

This was an interesting read.

I found it quite alright

3.8/5

[Brayden Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend told me that by the time I finish this book I would understand why he is a Liberal. I can say wholeheartedly that I both understand why he is and why I am. The achievements detailed in this book are nothing short of amazing and things I imagine myself doing one day.

Aside from my personal connection this book is amazing and can be tackled in several ways. Bite sized chunks as the essays are short, all at once and anything in between. I could fit in a story if I had 5 minutes to spare. Or more recently inhale the last half of the book in one evening.

An easy 5 stars.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Jean Chrétien, and you enjoy when someone tells you countless annectdotes of funny and clever things they've done, then this is the book for you! Most stories reference semi-recent historical political events without further context, so if you're completely unfamiliar with 1990s Canadian political happenings, it's not going to be that enjoyable.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book by the Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien, Canada's 20th Prime Minister. It is a collection of anecdotes from his time in politics mostly, rather than an autobiographical book (he has already written two volumes in that vein, I doubt there is much more to say).

Initially, this was never meant to be published. His Grandson suggested he write down the stories he would tell at family gatherings. As Jean has mentioned, he found he enjoyed doing it and decided to share it with the world.

Whether you loved him or hated him, this is a book for all Canadians. He does not take a lot of swipes at political foes (the foreword is written by Joe Clark, former PC Prime Minister, someone Jean considers a close friend). This book comes off exactly as it was intended, a kindly Grandfather sharing stories from his life. Jean has always possessed a great sense of humour and it shines through in this book. In addition, it makes one feel proud to be Canadian in a few of his stories where he speaks about foreign relations.

Tonight he was interviewed by Paul Wells from Macleans magazine and was streamed on social media. I think Jean's own words encapsulate what this book really is. He said it is the type of book he hoped people would read a few chapters, put it down on the nightstand, put out the light and fall asleep with a smile on their face. I completely agree with how he envisions the book.

My only slight criticism of the book is due to my own shortcomings. This book was written in French by Jean and then translated by others. This has two effects on the book I'd consider negatives. One, Jean Chretien was well known for his unpolished English and that I always felt was part of his charm. By using translators, they took what I assume is his mastery in French and translated it to English. I don't fault Jean for not writing the book twice though. The second thing that my lack of ability to read it in French caused is a couple of the anecdotes are more humourous in French. They contain untranslatable puns or other turns of phrases that the translators must explain. It felt like one of those hilarious jokes that you don't understand, while everyone is roaring with laughter, someone has to explain it to you.

That said I would recommend this book to people of any political stripe who wish to hear anecdotes about what it is like to be a politician and in some cases feel good about being Canadian.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving along with the start of the year, I decided to take an easy reading ride with one of my favourite topics - Canadian Politics. To this effect, Val has been recommending Jean Chrétien’s amalgamated stories that constitute his memoirs since she read the book herself back in Mexico two years ago. In My Stories, My Times, the Right Honorable Jean Chrétien provides readers with an unassuming mashup of stories from his long political experiences, beginning with his early interactions as a young student with Maurice Duplessis, leading to his eventual debates on the world stage with the likes of Chirac, Clinton, and Tony Blair.

As described in an original Globe and Mail review, the book underlines Chrétien’s general fashion of “holding court”. Written as spoken, the candid delivery of speech from the former prime minister is evident, emphasizing in the reader feelings of comfort and intrigue, as if receiving the stories first-hand from the elder statesman himself. Conversely, this is only considerably comfortable and intriguing if you desire insight on such stories from his point of view. Believe me when I underline the fact that you’ll be reading about specific individuals (including a very recent president of the United States) in a more negative fashion. That being said, the stories presented are those of perseverance, unity, federalism, and success in a time when Canada was considered by many to be on a teetering edge.

Political leanings aside, this book brings to the forefront so many stories of success for Canada, shining light on the inner workings on some of our proudest moments as a nation. I found it incredibly interesting to be able to sift through a selection of stories (literally mashed together) concerning Chrétien’s several decades of political living, varying from his participation in international conferences with NATO to the internal discussions between political actors that happen behind the closed doors of parliament. Regardless of your associated political colours, I recommend the book as a reading pleasure, and I can’t wait to pick up the second volume that came out just last Fall!

Happy Reading!

[Kaija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhere between 3.5 and 4

A collection of stories from the former Prime Minister. Most were rather interesting, but I did skip some of the long ones.

It really felt as though an older person in your family was telling you stories from there life around the table after dinner. What does that mean? You get some really interesting stuff, and a few stories where you feel like they could have stopped five minutes ago. You also get stories where they are the hero. Sometimes it's deserved, and others, it's the way they tell the story.

And like the elderly family member sitting around a table, you sometimes get views that make everyone sit in their seats. Like, his love for Russians. They're really not bad guys, right? And maybe if we had worked better with Putin, they wouldn't be so misunderstood?

The good, heart warming stories weigh out on top though. I think my favourite is he explains why he's a Liberal/cares for keeping Canada/Quebec together. Seeing how his family changed when they moved to the States and to Alberta give some nuance to his political/personal beliefs.

Some people mentioned the terrible translation of the book. It didn't bother me, especially when I felt like it was really his voice going over everything.

The rating isn't higher because of the handful of stories that were too long, or just didn't seem to fit as well. Nostaligia breeds rose coloured glasses, and that's definitely seen here.

[Teresa LaBella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking back can help us make sense of current events and put the crisis of today into comparative perspective with the challenges of yesterday.

Jean Chretien's easy to read anecdotal reflection on 40 years of world history, from his election to Parliament in 1963 through three consecutive terms as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal majority government between 1993 and 2003, chronicles his accomplishments (creation of national parks) and regrets (Russia's failure to join NATO and the EU), difficult decisions (the order that would have shot down a commercial jetliner had the pilot not responded) and lasting friendships made (Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela).

I enjoyed savouring a slice of Canadian history as told by a politician and head of state who lived it and loves his country. But most of all, I met the man who was as awed by the magnificent life of a childhood friend who never left their hometown in Quebec as he is of Prince Phillip and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. All are equally respected and admired by Chretien.

First Lady Michelle Obama told an interviewer just before her husband President Barack Obama left office that "nobody knows what the President knows". By writing this fascinating memoir, now we know what Jean Chretien knows, or at least what he can share with us.

[Mark Lisac · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 stars. Rounded down only because several of the more than 40 anecdotes felt truncated. His full memoir is probably more satisfying. However, the stories are mostly funny and almost always astute.
They make great reading for their entertainment value. But they also because they show the human side of politics, and how the human side sometimes affects policy decisions. Most of all, they show that a political leader can be humorous, practical, sensible, a realistic but optimistic, wily but primarily concerned with the public good. The chill toward Paul Martin is evident. Chretien's concern for the French language has possibly surprising depth. The story of how he first won election as an MP is a standout, as is the story of how protection for women's pensions survived an austere budget.

[Gabriella Grenier · Rating 3 out of 5]

J’aime beaucoup la politique et je voulais en apprendre davantage sur l’histoire de notre politique fédéral canadienne. Avec les intentions que j’avais, ce n’est finalement pas le meilleur choix de livre pour ça. Je m’y connais quand même, mais malgré ma base, à plusieurs reprises, j’étais perdue. Il aurait fallu que je prenne le temps de googler certaines choses pour comprendre des passages du livre, ce qui cassait le rythme de lecture. Le peu de mise en contexte ou de retour en arrière faisait que j’avais de la difficulté à comprendre l’entièreté d’une situation.

Ce livre pourrait être davantage apprécié par des personnes connaissant la politique fédéral canadienne de 1960-2000.

J’ai tout de même appris des choses intéressantes!

[Kian · Rating 5 out of 5]

C'est une bonne lecture grâce en partie à l'humour du petit gars de Shawinnegan. J'aime également le fait que chaque histoire, qui est égal à un chapitre, n'est que quelques pages, qui rendent le livre très accessible. Ça m'a pris trois séances de terminer le livre il me semble, donc c'était pantoute ennuyant. J'aime particulièrement les arguments qu'il présente en faveur du fédéralisme et sa perception de la mauvaise foi des séparatistes. Bien sûr, il faudra que je me renseigne auprès de quelqu'un de l'autre côté parce que ce bouquin est certainement biaisé envers le fédéralisme, mais au moins je comprends mieux la situation et les faits saillants.

[Johnathan McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the anecdotes were very interesting. Others not so much. My feel is many readers will do as I did: Thoroughly engross themselves in the stories of eras, moments and characters that interest them, and quickly skim those that do not.

As some other reviewers have noted, the translation seems a bit rough, but in a sort of endearing, nostalgic way, that made me enjoy the book more, as it took me back to my youth, and a time when, at least in my view, Chretien did a remarkable job representing our country on the world stage.

[Margarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would be a very difficult task to summarize an illustrious forty-year long political career into a book that isn’t thousands of pages. Jean Chrétien opts for a more casual over academic approach to his autobiography, writing what are essentially a series of vignettes – sometimes serious, sometimes not-so-serious – which highlight memorable moments from his career. There is no denying his remarkable ability at storytelling – his style is accessible, candid and at times, charmingly humorous. It’s an enjoyable read despite the seemingly scattered assembly.

[Scott Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been enjoying a resurgence of interest in our historical elected officials and their character. So many of them inevitably endure harsh judgement and leave under clouds of criticism, it is imperative to assess their legacies with a measure of fairness. This collection however is less useful in this regard. It is however the remembered stories of a grandfather and storyteller. Each is a short recount of some episode from Chretien life, sometimes with insights into important moments of history and sometimes with a wink to way things really were. His personality abounds throughout.

[Mahmoud Ashour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. The book contains a lot of historical facts about Canada and Canadian major public figures in addition to some biographical and personal stories of Jean Chrétien and his very frank opinions about the world.

Jean Chrétien is a Federalist Quebecer. He talks a lot about his views about federalism and the french language in North America. He also discusses the policies he is most proud of like evading the Iraq war or enlisting national parks and many more.

The book is written in a light humorous easy to understand language.

[David Chabot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect and I finally went through the book in less than a day. It's not an autobiography, it's simply a recollection on dozens of anecdotes and stories put together. I wish I read it in French though, as most word plays would make sense only in Chrétien's first language. Overall, a fantastic read, although a bit short and sometimes a little redundant. A must read for political geeks.

[Don Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining book of stories told with humour and honesty. It also provides a candid upbeat look behind the scenes of Canadian and international politics. It is a reminder that there used to be 1) a greater importance put on the public civility shown by and to other state leadership in an effort make achieve a greater good and 2) the importance of mentorship in political service, the handing down tradition and wisdom from veteran politicians to juniors, and the long-term value this creates.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars. This book as he says was a collection of stories he wanted to share with his family. The stories are just that, short and brief tales of a career in politics and the friendships along the way. At times a difficult read because the stories were so short and jumping topics making it hard to dive into and want to devour 50 pages. First time I’ve ever thought this would be a great audiobook.

[Raj Ramalingam · Rating 1 out of 5]

What starts as a series of simple stories that are moderately amusing descends into a porridge of vague recollections and ramblings. More telling, is not so much what Chretien is telling, but rather the way he likes to portray himself. Personally, I find the 'aw shucks' persona that has been his political dogma wears off fast. Chretien is more similar to Ronald Reagan than the general Canadian public might imagine. Both eschew intellect, expertise, and analysis in favor of limited government and simplifying everything. Chretien routinely makes aspersions in the media and his books and this book is no exception. He has since the beginning of time and will never stop being bitter about Paul Martin. He claims Martin would have gone into Iraq, that he would have left in 2000 if the Martinist weren't too chatty at an event, or that Martin failed because he attacked him while unsurprisingly making no mention of his involvement in the sponsorship scandal he left Martin. Nothing really in this book about the seriousness of government, but there are pieces that do validate Chretien's skill of being a political operator, forging relationships, making prudent judgement, and managing governing.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2017, Jean Chretien (former Prime Minister of Canada) decided to write down some of the stories he tells his kids and grandkids about his life, and it's every bit as funny and charming as you'd expect from this world-class storyteller. I also appreciated his gentle warnings to Canadians not to become complacent in our Canadianness and believe that we can't become as divided as the US under Trump. Boy was he right.

[Andy Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charmant et légèrement écrit ce livre résume son histoire dans la vie politique pendant 40 ans. Chaque personé qu'il aime il décrive comme "coloré" ou "drôle". Cependant c'est claire qu'il est quelqu'un à être rancunier.

Ce livre est parfait pour les apprenants de français. Les histoires sont courtes et amusantes

[Elaine Kozak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining recollections from a wily old fox. Certainly selective but a fascinating glimpse of some of his thoughts, deeds and interactions. Settles a few old scores but otherwise refreshingly free of self-aggrandizement. Could use a few leaders today with his sense of practicality, balance and humour.

[René · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dommage... Pour l'avoir souvent entendu en personne, Jean Chrétien est un raconteur hors de l'ordinaire. Toutefois, sur papier, ses blagues et anecdotes tombent souvent à plat. Un petit paragraphe de mise en contexte par l'éditeur avant chaque histoire aurait aidé plusieurs lecteurs à mieux situer le contexte.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this last night. Jean Chrétien has a writing style that editing does not whitewash. You hear his voice as if he were actually telling you the story in person. He was beloved by many and loathed by a few. I recommend this book to anyone who did not follow Canadian politics closely before Y2K.