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Truth Be Told
Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Beverley McLachlin offers an intimate and revealing look at her life, from her childhood in the Alberta foothills to her career on the Supreme Court, where she helped to shape the social and moral fabric of the country.
As a young girl, Beverley McLachlin’s world was often full of wonder—at the expansive prairie vistas around her, at the stories she discovered in the books at her local library, and at the diverse people who passed through her parents’ door. While her family was poor, their lives were rich in the ways that mattered most. Even at a young age, she had an innate sense of justice, which was reinforced by the lessons her parents taught her: Everyone deserves dignity. All people are equal. Those who work hard reap the rewards. Willful, spirited, and unusually intelligent, she discovered in Pincher Creek an extraordinary tapestry of people and perspectives that informed her worldview going forward.
Still, life in the rural Prairies was lonely, and gaining access to education—especially for girls—wasn’t always easy. As a young woman, McLachlin moved to Edmonton to pursue a degree in philosophy. There, she discovered her passion lay not in academia, but in the real world, solving problems directly related to the lives of the people around her. And in the law, she found the tools to do exactly that.
She soon realized, though, that the world was not always willing to accept her. In her early years as an articling student and lawyer, she encountered sexism, exclusion, and old boys’ clubs at every turn. And outside the courtroom, personal loss and tragedies struck close to home. Nonetheless, McLachlin was determined to prove her worth, and her love of the law and the pursuit of justice pulled her through the darkest moments.
McLachlin’s meteoric rise through the courts soon found her serving on the highest court in the country, becoming the first woman to be named Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. She rapidly distinguished herself as a judge of renown, one who was never afraid to take on morally complex or charged debates. Over the next eighteen years, McLachlin presided over the most prominent cases in the country—involving Charter challenges, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia. One judgment at a time, she laid down a legal legacy that proved that fairness and justice were not luxuries of the powerful but rather obligations owed to each and every one of us.
With warmth, honesty, and deep wisdom, McLachlin invites us into her legal and personal life—into the hopes and doubts, the triumphs and losses on and off the bench. Through it all, her constant faith in justice remained her true north. In an age of division and uncertainty, McLachlin’s memoir is a reminder that justice and the rule of law remain our best hope for a progressive and bright future.
As a young girl, Beverley McLachlin’s world was often full of wonder—at the expansive prairie vistas around her, at the stories she discovered in the books at her local library, and at the diverse people who passed through her parents’ door. While her family was poor, their lives were rich in the ways that mattered most. Even at a young age, she had an innate sense of justice, which was reinforced by the lessons her parents taught her: Everyone deserves dignity. All people are equal. Those who work hard reap the rewards. Willful, spirited, and unusually intelligent, she discovered in Pincher Creek an extraordinary tapestry of people and perspectives that informed her worldview going forward.
Still, life in the rural Prairies was lonely, and gaining access to education—especially for girls—wasn’t always easy. As a young woman, McLachlin moved to Edmonton to pursue a degree in philosophy. There, she discovered her passion lay not in academia, but in the real world, solving problems directly related to the lives of the people around her. And in the law, she found the tools to do exactly that.
She soon realized, though, that the world was not always willing to accept her. In her early years as an articling student and lawyer, she encountered sexism, exclusion, and old boys’ clubs at every turn. And outside the courtroom, personal loss and tragedies struck close to home. Nonetheless, McLachlin was determined to prove her worth, and her love of the law and the pursuit of justice pulled her through the darkest moments.
McLachlin’s meteoric rise through the courts soon found her serving on the highest court in the country, becoming the first woman to be named Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. She rapidly distinguished herself as a judge of renown, one who was never afraid to take on morally complex or charged debates. Over the next eighteen years, McLachlin presided over the most prominent cases in the country—involving Charter challenges, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia. One judgment at a time, she laid down a legal legacy that proved that fairness and justice were not luxuries of the powerful but rather obligations owed to each and every one of us.
With warmth, honesty, and deep wisdom, McLachlin invites us into her legal and personal life—into the hopes and doubts, the triumphs and losses on and off the bench. Through it all, her constant faith in justice remained her true north. In an age of division and uncertainty, McLachlin’s memoir is a reminder that justice and the rule of law remain our best hope for a progressive and bright future.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2019
112 people are currently reading
1345 people want to read
About the author
Beverley McLachlin
11 books273 followersBeverley McLachlin is the former Chief Justice of Canada, the first woman to hold that position.
Full Disclosure is her first novel.
Full Disclosure is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
December 2, 2019
I recently read a biography of the newly retired Chief Justice of the Canadian Supreme Court. When I learned that Beverley McLachlin had just published her memoir, I had to read it.
The book is well written. McLachlin tells the story of her life, both personal and professional. She got my attention right at the beginning by describing the visit to the Canadian Supreme Court by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg of the United States Supreme Court. I particularly enjoyed learning how Canadian law differs from American law. She was the first female Chief Justice of the Canadian Supreme Court. I found it interesting that Canada appoints the Chief Justice from within the Court and they have to alternate a Chief Justice from Quebec then one from anywhere else in Canada. Also, of the nine Justices three must always be appointed from Quebec. McLachlin managed to bring a polarized, dysfunctional court into the center and working congenially together. That reveals great leadership skills. McLachlan’s love of the law and her brilliant mind comes through in the book. I would love to read more by this exceptional woman.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and nine minutes. Beverley McLachlin does an excellent job narrating her own book. It was great to hear memoir in her own voice.
The book is well written. McLachlin tells the story of her life, both personal and professional. She got my attention right at the beginning by describing the visit to the Canadian Supreme Court by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg of the United States Supreme Court. I particularly enjoyed learning how Canadian law differs from American law. She was the first female Chief Justice of the Canadian Supreme Court. I found it interesting that Canada appoints the Chief Justice from within the Court and they have to alternate a Chief Justice from Quebec then one from anywhere else in Canada. Also, of the nine Justices three must always be appointed from Quebec. McLachlin managed to bring a polarized, dysfunctional court into the center and working congenially together. That reveals great leadership skills. McLachlan’s love of the law and her brilliant mind comes through in the book. I would love to read more by this exceptional woman.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and nine minutes. Beverley McLachlin does an excellent job narrating her own book. It was great to hear memoir in her own voice.
December 2, 2019
In this telling memoir, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Beverley McLachlin, speaks freely about her life and some of the events than impacted it on her climb to the top of Canada’s judicial community. Hailing from the small community of Pincher Creek, Alberta, Beverley Gietz was a highly intelligent girl, though her teachers were never sure she’d accomplish much outside of the traditional roles for women. The eldest child, Beverley paved the way for her siblings and admired her hard-working parents as they tried the best they could on their small ranch. Taking a gamble, Gietz was able to win a spot to the University of Alberta, where she immersed herself in philosophy and dabbled in journalism, enjoying her ability to explore the innermost thoughts of the mind, while expressing herself with the written word. Her university breaks allowed her to return to southern Alberta, where a few suitors awaited her, but none caught her eye as much as Rory McLachlin, who was a farmhand and academic in his own right. Their relationship blossomed and Rory challenged Beverley to consider studying law. She did and thus paved the way to bigger and better things.
After telling of some interesting goings-on in mid-1960s law school, Beverley and Rory’s relationship grew and they soon married, though their lives did not become any less hectic. McLachlin tells of trying to break into the legal world in the late 1960s, a time when sexism was rampant and women were still new to the ‘clubhouse’. Working as hard as she ever had, McLachlin impressed her male counterparts and rose in the firm at which she worked, all of which helped a young lawyer find a niche in ensuring everyone received equal treatment. When Rory’s life took him to smaller communities in northern British Columbia, Beverley followed him, their connection strengthened by not needing to commute. Eventually, their lives led them to Vancouver, as Beverley scored work at the University of British Columbia’s Law School, honing some of her skills in a position she loved. The birth of her son, Angus, helped her to see life through new eyes and she comments throughout about being a less than stellar parent, even though she had amazing parents who offered many tools. Juggling parenthood and a career, McLachlin was surprised when she was called to accept a seat on the bench, beginning a storied career as a judge. She shares a few of her memories, including seeing things from other perspectives when seated above the fray. Other promotions came, many of which were shocking and highly sought-after positions, though Rory’s health was beginning to deteriorate. His passing would shock the close-knit McLachlin family and gave some sobering of where the law fit into the larger picture. While she did seek some time to get her head on straight, McLachlin found her rhythm again, working the docket until she received a call from the prime minister, seeking her to accept a position on the Supreme Court of Canada.
This move is surely one of the most coveted positions in Canada’s legal community. McLachlin accepted it and flourished, learning the ropes alongside six men and two other women, crawling through the shards of the glass ceiling that had been smashed years before. The memoir not only details the move to Ottawa, across the country from her Vancouver home, but also the highly political nature of the cases that came before her. She discusses themes that arose and how aspects of Canada’s constitution handled them, including some of her own thoughts on these issues. Angus was settling in nicely and McLachlin was able to find new love in a man who respected her position and did not feel threatened. McLachlin found her niche and thrived as she heard cases and became accustomed to the importance of the work. A final call from the prime minister sought her to fill the role of Chief Justice, the first woman to do so. She accepted and became not only a strong administrator, but a stellar legal ambassador for the entire Canadian legal community. McLachlin lets the reader in to see some of the work behind the curtain, but always keeps things professional and does not spill secrets relating the other justices. This, her final legal job ever, allowed McLachlin to end her career shaping and helping those who needed it most. By the time ‘Citizen McLachlin’ emerged, Canada was a much different place and she was happy with its transformation.
While the idea of a legal memoir might seem dry to some, Beverley McLachlin’s writing and storytelling is anything but academic or stale. She recounts her story in such a way that any reader can understand her roots and witness the climb throughout the legal community. Her passion throughout appears to be those whose voices are not heard and she fought diligently to press for equality and representation. Women’s rights were only one of a number of causes, doing so within the parameters of the law while finding new and innovative ways to break age-old views in a country that was still learning to live independently in its legal nuances. McLachlin personalises the anecdotes she offers, tying them into both her own experiences and offering some needed backstories to provide context for the reader. She was of the people and not above them, as her position on the bench might leave some to surmise. While I loved the easy to digest delivery of the memoir throughout, I felt it lacked some meat during her legal career. I wanted to hear more about the cases she argued—and heard—as well as the constitutional impact they had on Canada. I wanted to hear of the scuffles and the arguments, as well as the clashing legal opinions between McLachlin and her fellow justices. She admits that the Supreme Court of Canada is surely not as political as that of the United States, but there are sure to be some exciting stories as the rights and freedoms of the people of this great land are forged. Perhaps I have read too many memoirs of American judges or expected added drama, but I can see how McLachlin might want to dilute the legal rhetoric to appeal to a larger reading base. With easy to read chapters and a flowing narrative, McLachlin makes her life one that can easily be understood and admired, allowing anyone who picks up this book to discover the wonders of the Canadian legal system and how a farm girl in rural Alberta can rise to become the most powerful legal entity. Anyone can do it, with a little hard work and the support of those around them.
Kudos, Madam Former Chief Justice (what is the proper title?!) McLachlin, for this stellar piece of work. I learned so very much and am grateful for all you did throughout your career. I loved your piece of fiction as well and hope you’ll have some time to write as you enjoy a much-deserved rest.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
After telling of some interesting goings-on in mid-1960s law school, Beverley and Rory’s relationship grew and they soon married, though their lives did not become any less hectic. McLachlin tells of trying to break into the legal world in the late 1960s, a time when sexism was rampant and women were still new to the ‘clubhouse’. Working as hard as she ever had, McLachlin impressed her male counterparts and rose in the firm at which she worked, all of which helped a young lawyer find a niche in ensuring everyone received equal treatment. When Rory’s life took him to smaller communities in northern British Columbia, Beverley followed him, their connection strengthened by not needing to commute. Eventually, their lives led them to Vancouver, as Beverley scored work at the University of British Columbia’s Law School, honing some of her skills in a position she loved. The birth of her son, Angus, helped her to see life through new eyes and she comments throughout about being a less than stellar parent, even though she had amazing parents who offered many tools. Juggling parenthood and a career, McLachlin was surprised when she was called to accept a seat on the bench, beginning a storied career as a judge. She shares a few of her memories, including seeing things from other perspectives when seated above the fray. Other promotions came, many of which were shocking and highly sought-after positions, though Rory’s health was beginning to deteriorate. His passing would shock the close-knit McLachlin family and gave some sobering of where the law fit into the larger picture. While she did seek some time to get her head on straight, McLachlin found her rhythm again, working the docket until she received a call from the prime minister, seeking her to accept a position on the Supreme Court of Canada.
This move is surely one of the most coveted positions in Canada’s legal community. McLachlin accepted it and flourished, learning the ropes alongside six men and two other women, crawling through the shards of the glass ceiling that had been smashed years before. The memoir not only details the move to Ottawa, across the country from her Vancouver home, but also the highly political nature of the cases that came before her. She discusses themes that arose and how aspects of Canada’s constitution handled them, including some of her own thoughts on these issues. Angus was settling in nicely and McLachlin was able to find new love in a man who respected her position and did not feel threatened. McLachlin found her niche and thrived as she heard cases and became accustomed to the importance of the work. A final call from the prime minister sought her to fill the role of Chief Justice, the first woman to do so. She accepted and became not only a strong administrator, but a stellar legal ambassador for the entire Canadian legal community. McLachlin lets the reader in to see some of the work behind the curtain, but always keeps things professional and does not spill secrets relating the other justices. This, her final legal job ever, allowed McLachlin to end her career shaping and helping those who needed it most. By the time ‘Citizen McLachlin’ emerged, Canada was a much different place and she was happy with its transformation.
While the idea of a legal memoir might seem dry to some, Beverley McLachlin’s writing and storytelling is anything but academic or stale. She recounts her story in such a way that any reader can understand her roots and witness the climb throughout the legal community. Her passion throughout appears to be those whose voices are not heard and she fought diligently to press for equality and representation. Women’s rights were only one of a number of causes, doing so within the parameters of the law while finding new and innovative ways to break age-old views in a country that was still learning to live independently in its legal nuances. McLachlin personalises the anecdotes she offers, tying them into both her own experiences and offering some needed backstories to provide context for the reader. She was of the people and not above them, as her position on the bench might leave some to surmise. While I loved the easy to digest delivery of the memoir throughout, I felt it lacked some meat during her legal career. I wanted to hear more about the cases she argued—and heard—as well as the constitutional impact they had on Canada. I wanted to hear of the scuffles and the arguments, as well as the clashing legal opinions between McLachlin and her fellow justices. She admits that the Supreme Court of Canada is surely not as political as that of the United States, but there are sure to be some exciting stories as the rights and freedoms of the people of this great land are forged. Perhaps I have read too many memoirs of American judges or expected added drama, but I can see how McLachlin might want to dilute the legal rhetoric to appeal to a larger reading base. With easy to read chapters and a flowing narrative, McLachlin makes her life one that can easily be understood and admired, allowing anyone who picks up this book to discover the wonders of the Canadian legal system and how a farm girl in rural Alberta can rise to become the most powerful legal entity. Anyone can do it, with a little hard work and the support of those around them.
Kudos, Madam Former Chief Justice (what is the proper title?!) McLachlin, for this stellar piece of work. I learned so very much and am grateful for all you did throughout your career. I loved your piece of fiction as well and hope you’ll have some time to write as you enjoy a much-deserved rest.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
December 29, 2019
Truth Be Told was a pleasure to listen to. Canada’s former Chief Justice narrates her own memoir. She starts with her childhood in rural Alberta, going all the way up to her retirement from the Supreme Court of Canada at age 75. There’s a good mix of personal anecdotes and thoughts on contemporary Canada and the law. I also really appreciated her perspective on being a woman in a position of power, especially starting at a time when this was very uncommon.
April 2, 2023
Very Polite and Canadian
Review of the Simon and Schuster paperback edition (September 2020) of the original Simon and Schuster hardcover (September 2019)
Truth Be Told was the March 2023 read for my QCC online book club. The zoom meeting to discuss the book was held mid-month and I had to confess at the time that I had only gotten through about 1/3rd of the book as it was not very exciting reading. I did eventually manage to finish it and although it never became very dramatic, there were at least several good natured anecdotes, such as the above example, which made me like McLachlin as a person and her autobiography as a result.
Photograph of Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin by Fred Chartrand, sourced from the Globe and Mail May 2, 2014 article Chief Justice denies allegations of improper contact with PMO.
This is no 'blood and guts' history of cases heard before the Supreme Court of Canada. You never hear stories of any fireworks behind the scenes. The period of McLachlin's time on the Court (1989 to 2017, as Chief Justice from 2000 to retirement in 2017) was full of momentous decisions related to Canadian Charter rights, Women's rights, Indigenous Peoples' rights, LGBTQI+ rights etc. It is all told in a matter of fact manner with little drama and suspense.
The closest it comes to any controversy was a time when Prime Minister Steven Harper's office initiated a bit of a smear campaign when it accused McLachlin of interfering with a Harper appointment to the Court. Months before the actual Harper appointment, McLachlin had advised Harper's Justice Minister of certain requirements for a Quebec Provincial appointee. McLachlin was correct in the law and the later Harper appointee was not approved as a result. McLachlin hints back at the political conflict later with an anecdote:
Most everyone else in the Book Club enjoyed Truth Be Told, although there was one dissenting opinion which expressed the view that the book could have used an editor to improve the writing. Although the humorous and dramatic anecdotes were few and far between, I still rate it as a 3 star "Like".
Other Reviews
Book Review of Truth Be Told at Court.ca by Stacey Blydorp, January 22, 2020.
Trivia and Links
A profile of Beverley McLachlin's life can be read at No Ordinary Woman.
A listing of Beverley McLachlin's Supreme Court of Canada opinions can be read at Wikipedia.
A listing of the Supreme Court of Canada cases heard during McLachlin's time as Chief Justice can be read at Wikipedia.
Review of the Simon and Schuster paperback edition (September 2020) of the original Simon and Schuster hardcover (September 2019)
One June afternoon while on my knees transplanting Lily of the Valley, my idea of inexpensive ground cover, I looked up to see the housekeeper from the adjoining Argentinian Embassy residence peering over the fence at me. “Hola!”, she said, and introduced herself. I put down my trowel and we chatted about the weather. As she prepared to take her leave she looked at my grubby shorts and asked with a nod towards my house: “What are those people like to work for?” I considered and then quipped: “Madame is quite nice, but monsieur can be difficult.” - Canada’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Beverley McLachlin, reacts quickly when mistaken as her own gardener.
Truth Be Told was the March 2023 read for my QCC online book club. The zoom meeting to discuss the book was held mid-month and I had to confess at the time that I had only gotten through about 1/3rd of the book as it was not very exciting reading. I did eventually manage to finish it and although it never became very dramatic, there were at least several good natured anecdotes, such as the above example, which made me like McLachlin as a person and her autobiography as a result.
Photograph of Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin by Fred Chartrand, sourced from the Globe and Mail May 2, 2014 article Chief Justice denies allegations of improper contact with PMO.
This is no 'blood and guts' history of cases heard before the Supreme Court of Canada. You never hear stories of any fireworks behind the scenes. The period of McLachlin's time on the Court (1989 to 2017, as Chief Justice from 2000 to retirement in 2017) was full of momentous decisions related to Canadian Charter rights, Women's rights, Indigenous Peoples' rights, LGBTQI+ rights etc. It is all told in a matter of fact manner with little drama and suspense.
The closest it comes to any controversy was a time when Prime Minister Steven Harper's office initiated a bit of a smear campaign when it accused McLachlin of interfering with a Harper appointment to the Court. Months before the actual Harper appointment, McLachlin had advised Harper's Justice Minister of certain requirements for a Quebec Provincial appointee. McLachlin was correct in the law and the later Harper appointee was not approved as a result. McLachlin hints back at the political conflict later with an anecdote:
I thought about calling my new puppy Harper so I could say, "Harper, sit! Harper, lie down!" I actually liked the name, but I decided that people in the dog park might misunderstand. In the end, I decided on Darcy, from Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Most everyone else in the Book Club enjoyed Truth Be Told, although there was one dissenting opinion which expressed the view that the book could have used an editor to improve the writing. Although the humorous and dramatic anecdotes were few and far between, I still rate it as a 3 star "Like".
Other Reviews
Book Review of Truth Be Told at Court.ca by Stacey Blydorp, January 22, 2020.
Trivia and Links
A profile of Beverley McLachlin's life can be read at No Ordinary Woman.
A listing of Beverley McLachlin's Supreme Court of Canada opinions can be read at Wikipedia.
A listing of the Supreme Court of Canada cases heard during McLachlin's time as Chief Justice can be read at Wikipedia.
July 12, 2019
I absolutely fell in love with Beverley McLachlin in reading this book. For those of you who don’t know her, she is the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada (the first woman to ever hold that role), and this solidified my belief that she is a National Treasure. Her memoir is incredibly inspiring, detailing her path from small Pincher Creek, Alberta, to the heights of judicial power in Ottawa. Her compassion, optimism, and humour seem to have served her well through her career, and it all comes through in the book, which does an elegant job of linking her personal story with some of her more famous judgments from the bench. Some may be disappointed that she doesn’t get too deep into the legalese or sling mud and name names, but I found the entire thing classy in the very best Canadian way. Not to be missed!
March 24, 2020
Loaned to me by my mother, this memoir introduces the woman who many people recognize as the former Chief Justice of the Canadian Supreme Court. But who is Beverly McLachlin? Like many Canadians, Mclachlin's story begins in a small town, Pincher Creek, the granddaughter of German immigrants, who never dreamed what road life would take her. She takes us through her university and law career , her marriages to Rory and Frank, motherhood with son Angus and finally to her time tackling some of the most famous constitutional cases of the last 20 +years.
Readers looking for "the dirt " won't find it here but she definitely lets her side be told in terms of what seemed to happen between her and PM Stephen Harper. I found Beverly McLachlin to be a fascinating Canadian personality and I am personally hoping that she will continue her foray into the world of writing fiction.
Goodreads review published 24/03/20
Readers looking for "the dirt " won't find it here but she definitely lets her side be told in terms of what seemed to happen between her and PM Stephen Harper. I found Beverly McLachlin to be a fascinating Canadian personality and I am personally hoping that she will continue her foray into the world of writing fiction.
Goodreads review published 24/03/20
October 15, 2019
The best legal memoir I have ever read, written by a woman who remains an inspiration.
April 25, 2025
shoutout to Max for letting me keep this book in my possession for well over a calendar year, that's a true ally! we love women in the law.
May 10, 2021
[3.5 stars]
What began as a book that I was reading for the sole reason that I will be attending the same law school as the subject, ended as a truly emotional tearjerker. Beverly McLachlin's memoir is a beautiful story about a woman with a passion for the law. She includes intimate descriptions of her personal life (such as her marriage to her first love, his death, and her journey at rediscovering love) but also includes fascinating brief descriptions of important court cases that she has either encountered or been responsible for as justice or chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.
I chose to rate this book 3.5 stars because although it left me with tears and included some fascinating details, I was personally not too captivated by some stories she chose to include.
What began as a book that I was reading for the sole reason that I will be attending the same law school as the subject, ended as a truly emotional tearjerker. Beverly McLachlin's memoir is a beautiful story about a woman with a passion for the law. She includes intimate descriptions of her personal life (such as her marriage to her first love, his death, and her journey at rediscovering love) but also includes fascinating brief descriptions of important court cases that she has either encountered or been responsible for as justice or chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.
I chose to rate this book 3.5 stars because although it left me with tears and included some fascinating details, I was personally not too captivated by some stories she chose to include.
October 12, 2021
Reading the memoir of the first woman to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, I expected to learn more about the battles and adversity she had to fight on her way to the top, but you rather get the impression that some important positions just fell onto her lap, which was a bit disappointing. She does write about feminism and women’s rights generally, but not much about her own struggles in that regard. It was still inspiring to read about her career, and I really enjoyed reading about some famous cases she was involved in and the changes the Supreme Court has undergone while she was there. Her writing is engaging - no wonder she turned to writing fiction after she retired as a judge.
November 2, 2019
Wanted to love it, but didn’t.
I didn’t like the writing style, but mostly was unable to love the book because I felt like it was written as a platform to announce her career and life achievements. I was looking for a story to be told and this book didn’t live up to that. I also found it annoying that she used it as a platform to air her gripe about Harper. Anyway, I know many will disagree, but those are my thoughts :)
I didn’t like the writing style, but mostly was unable to love the book because I felt like it was written as a platform to announce her career and life achievements. I was looking for a story to be told and this book didn’t live up to that. I also found it annoying that she used it as a platform to air her gripe about Harper. Anyway, I know many will disagree, but those are my thoughts :)
February 28, 2020
I'm grateful that someone convinced McLachlin to write this book! I enjoyed reading about Canada from a new perspective. I love the writing: this is a beautifully written book.
November 6, 2021
This is the personal story of Beverley McLachlin's life. She eventually became the Chief Justice of Canada. The first woman to hold the position and she held the position longer than any other. Although her life, as she tells it, wasn't a grand adventure, I found she has a talent for story-telling. I was caught up from the beginning. Beverley was a participant in all of the major changes and decisions that created the law and justice system as it currently stands in Canada. And since she isn't too many years older than I am, I remember each of these major changes and the effects of the decisions in which she participated, in either a small or large way. Discrimination, human rights, LGBTQ marriage, abortion, residential schools, interpreting the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and many others. All of this is told from her perspective as a woman raised in small town Alberta, her decision to complete a degree in Law and ultimately how the values she was raised with and her life experiences defined the meaning of justice for her and us. She touches on the things she learned from her mentors and the people she met, coworkers, subordinates, bosses, Prime Ministers, Presidents and even Queen Elizabeth. This is not a story of law cases or arguments. It is the memoir of a woman with a talent for law and an understanding of justice. A quiet woman with an extraordinary life and legacy.
January 13, 2020
Beverly McLachlin's autobiography of her life to date tells of a young woman's perseverance and dedication to becoming an educated, participating member of society of a "life lived large". She is from Pincher Creek, Alberta, and was raised mostly on a ranch which meant during her younger years, winters were often spent in isolation as it was impossible on many days to leave due to the roads being impassable.
However, her quest for knowledge endured, and she did finish high school, and then go to the University of Alberta in Edmonton for her degrees, first in Philosophy, and then in Law. As she was at the U of A a few years prior to my time there, I loved the descriptions of the campus, and her recollections of her time there, citing names which were familiar to those of us who studied in the late '60"s and early '70's.
Her life was never static, as her husband ventured further afield for his work, so she practiced in Edmonton, Ft. St. John, B.C., and then in Vancouver before finally being called to serve on the bench of the Supreme Court of Canada, eventually becoming Chief Justice. Throughout all, she is always mindful of her relatively humble beginnings, and sees the law and justice as a way to equalize opportunities for all Canadians.
As much as I enjoyed reading about her perspective, and how decisions which affect large groups of Canadians are made, 2 items did niggle at my conscience. She cites "Olsen vs. Olsen" as a leading edge judgment to establish women's property rights, but does not tell the entire story of what happened after the judgment. If memory serves me correctly, the defendant ended up taking her own life: she was awarded a monetary sum but then the lawyer representing her presented her with a bill which basically wiped out the entire amount. The other item which I felt was not truly represented were the judgements made around the Truth and Reconciliation work done by the Supreme Court. Many items were addressed, but as we know, the recommendations have not been fully implemented and there is still much work to be done in this area.
However, these two issues aside, I did find this to be a very readable autobiography. Beverly McLachlan did maintain a great deal of privacy of her own life, but in general I would recommend this to anyone interested in the lives of influential Canadian women.
However, her quest for knowledge endured, and she did finish high school, and then go to the University of Alberta in Edmonton for her degrees, first in Philosophy, and then in Law. As she was at the U of A a few years prior to my time there, I loved the descriptions of the campus, and her recollections of her time there, citing names which were familiar to those of us who studied in the late '60"s and early '70's.
Her life was never static, as her husband ventured further afield for his work, so she practiced in Edmonton, Ft. St. John, B.C., and then in Vancouver before finally being called to serve on the bench of the Supreme Court of Canada, eventually becoming Chief Justice. Throughout all, she is always mindful of her relatively humble beginnings, and sees the law and justice as a way to equalize opportunities for all Canadians.
As much as I enjoyed reading about her perspective, and how decisions which affect large groups of Canadians are made, 2 items did niggle at my conscience. She cites "Olsen vs. Olsen" as a leading edge judgment to establish women's property rights, but does not tell the entire story of what happened after the judgment. If memory serves me correctly, the defendant ended up taking her own life: she was awarded a monetary sum but then the lawyer representing her presented her with a bill which basically wiped out the entire amount. The other item which I felt was not truly represented were the judgements made around the Truth and Reconciliation work done by the Supreme Court. Many items were addressed, but as we know, the recommendations have not been fully implemented and there is still much work to be done in this area.
However, these two issues aside, I did find this to be a very readable autobiography. Beverly McLachlan did maintain a great deal of privacy of her own life, but in general I would recommend this to anyone interested in the lives of influential Canadian women.
February 11, 2020
This southern Alberta farm girl really enjoyed this book by another southern Alberta farm girl who managed to make it all the way to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. We come from similar backgrounds, and went to the same university, but the 25 years between us brought much change in rights and opportunities for women. I have never had much interest in the law, but she made it quite interesting. I now know so much more about our judicial system, and I learned it on a gentle journey with a woman whom I think I would love to meet. She writes clearly and concisely, and seems to have an instinct for what the reader will find interesting. I understand she has also written fiction. I might have to check it out.
November 16, 2019
A really enjoyable, honest, and engaging read. As a law student I read McLachlin decisions all the time, so it was nice to read more about the Judge behind them!
Rarely do Canadians get a glimpse at our legal system and it’s complexities (especially at the Supreme Court), so is highly highly recommend!
Rarely do Canadians get a glimpse at our legal system and it’s complexities (especially at the Supreme Court), so is highly highly recommend!
December 23, 2019
I enjoyed Truth Be Told, although I did find the first section to be superior than the last part. That being said, the book certainly opens your eyes on aspects of Canada's legal system and Beverley McLachlin's role in it.
July 16, 2022
I enjoyed this way more than I expected to. It was loaned to me as an offhand offer by a friend who didn’t have time to read it (and it was loaned to her by her dad, so double layer of book indifference …) So, safe to say this is a book that never, ever would have even caught my attention let alone that I would have picked up on my own.
That disclaimer out of the way, it’s an immensely readable book on a subject that I expected to be dry and boring - that of Canadian justice and law making. MacLaughlin’s writing makes the consumption of the process of Canadian law not only understandable but enjoyable. I had many “ah hah” moments while reading this … I really had no interest in jurisprudence or the nature of Canadian lawmaking … but now my curiosity is piqued. As a member of the Supreme Court through the ‘90’s and 2000’s, MacLaughlin was at ground zero of many pivotal decisions in Canadian lawmaking in recent history. The short list: the marriage act which legalized same sex marriage; the Clarity Act which was created after the 1995 secession vote by Quebec; many decisions taken on the many elements of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which shaped Canadian law after the Canadian Constitution was patriated in the ‘80’s (including the important distinctions regarding presumption of innocence and consent foundational to sexual assault); the early decisions regarding the right to death with dignity/medically assisted death; and the early decisions in Indigenous rights that have been part of the long path to reconciliation and justice.
MacLaughlin weaves in personal stories from her life and loves which could have made the book painful, but I felt created a good balance between boring legalese and drippy autobiography. She is a good writer, evidence of her years on the bench and possibly harkening back to her school days in journalism. Her profound connection to her simple roots, and her devotion and lifelong identification with her small prairie town, is one I deeply relate to as a western Canadian farm girl. She holds Pincher Creek at the nexus of her soul in spite of the dramatic roles she’s held and the glittering circles she travels in. You can take the girl out of the prairie, but you can’t take the prairie out of the girl.
And the story of Eric and the Pincher Creek reunion made me bawl like a 3rd grader. Read the book, page 293, see why. Simple kindness and inclusion, recognition of equity and “humanness,” and the lasting impact carrying forward decades … hit me in all the feels. I’m so sad for the countless examples of the opposite treatment that Eric’s family must have endured to make this event stand out so sharply in his memory.
Honestly, this should be required reading for Canadians so everyone understands how government and the system of law works in our country. It has answered so many questions for me that I didn’t even know I had.
This is one that will stay with me for a long time. And, as MacLaughlin’s life and work has done for the country, opened doors in my intellect and curiosity. Thank you for your service, Chief Justice.
That disclaimer out of the way, it’s an immensely readable book on a subject that I expected to be dry and boring - that of Canadian justice and law making. MacLaughlin’s writing makes the consumption of the process of Canadian law not only understandable but enjoyable. I had many “ah hah” moments while reading this … I really had no interest in jurisprudence or the nature of Canadian lawmaking … but now my curiosity is piqued. As a member of the Supreme Court through the ‘90’s and 2000’s, MacLaughlin was at ground zero of many pivotal decisions in Canadian lawmaking in recent history. The short list: the marriage act which legalized same sex marriage; the Clarity Act which was created after the 1995 secession vote by Quebec; many decisions taken on the many elements of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which shaped Canadian law after the Canadian Constitution was patriated in the ‘80’s (including the important distinctions regarding presumption of innocence and consent foundational to sexual assault); the early decisions regarding the right to death with dignity/medically assisted death; and the early decisions in Indigenous rights that have been part of the long path to reconciliation and justice.
MacLaughlin weaves in personal stories from her life and loves which could have made the book painful, but I felt created a good balance between boring legalese and drippy autobiography. She is a good writer, evidence of her years on the bench and possibly harkening back to her school days in journalism. Her profound connection to her simple roots, and her devotion and lifelong identification with her small prairie town, is one I deeply relate to as a western Canadian farm girl. She holds Pincher Creek at the nexus of her soul in spite of the dramatic roles she’s held and the glittering circles she travels in. You can take the girl out of the prairie, but you can’t take the prairie out of the girl.
And the story of Eric and the Pincher Creek reunion made me bawl like a 3rd grader. Read the book, page 293, see why. Simple kindness and inclusion, recognition of equity and “humanness,” and the lasting impact carrying forward decades … hit me in all the feels. I’m so sad for the countless examples of the opposite treatment that Eric’s family must have endured to make this event stand out so sharply in his memory.
Honestly, this should be required reading for Canadians so everyone understands how government and the system of law works in our country. It has answered so many questions for me that I didn’t even know I had.
This is one that will stay with me for a long time. And, as MacLaughlin’s life and work has done for the country, opened doors in my intellect and curiosity. Thank you for your service, Chief Justice.
October 26, 2020
"[A] country that respects the rule of law and of openness, in which a young woman of no particular note could become a lawyer and a judge and a chief justice."
3 months ago: zero knowledge of the Canadian judiciary system
Now: "Maybe I want to try and be a judge in Canada"
This might just be the catalyst to get me seriously engaged with my Canadian citizenship. I got my Canadian passport in 2011, since then have taken my Canadian nationality for granted. Do I consider Canada my home? I would've said no. What has Canada done for me to make me feel like I belonged?
Now more and more I am reflecting on my identity as a first-generation immigrant and a Canadian citizen: why am I so defensively dismissive of the idea of being Canadian? Why am I so jittery of assuming a Canadian identity? Most of all, how have I fed into the feedforward cycle of (immigrants who refuse to integrate and taking Canada for granted) vs (white Canadians seeing the influx of asian immigrants as a threat to assuming a full Canadian identity), and the stalemate that situation seems to create
What have I done on my part to earn my Canadian identity?
I speak English, but there are two official languages in Canada. I vote, but I don't know the history of Canadian politics. I want to practice law in Canada, but to really understand law (and thus practice it pragmatically) means to understand the socio-politico-economic dynamic of the country. Have I assumed full responsbility (just like every citizen should) to know every nook and cranny about the place I live?
What guilts me the most is the fact that I only begun to think about these implications when I asked myself the question "why law?", and tried to come up with a substantive answer. If I did not think to opt for this route, I might've have never asked these questions of myself (and continued to live in indifference)
I have enormous admiration for Mrs.McLachlin. In my eyes, she truly understood this country and served it to the best of her ability -- and that to be is what every responsible citizen should do. It also communicated to me that a legal profession could confer that sort of moral integrity which capitalism has unfortunately corroded. Existentially, a life like that has meaning for me.
I feel inspired by this book. A wonderful thing. Any book that leaves me with the feeling that I have MUCH work to do is a good book.
(This book is a great read for law students: Mrs. McLachlin has amazingly succinct writing. If I wasn't so inundated with UKSC readings (why do british lords and ladies insist on being so convoluted in their written judgements?!), I would love to browse Canada Supreme Court judgements and read McLachlin's judgements. Let's all aim to write succintly and to the point. #accessiblejustice)
3 months ago: zero knowledge of the Canadian judiciary system
Now: "Maybe I want to try and be a judge in Canada"
This might just be the catalyst to get me seriously engaged with my Canadian citizenship. I got my Canadian passport in 2011, since then have taken my Canadian nationality for granted. Do I consider Canada my home? I would've said no. What has Canada done for me to make me feel like I belonged?
Now more and more I am reflecting on my identity as a first-generation immigrant and a Canadian citizen: why am I so defensively dismissive of the idea of being Canadian? Why am I so jittery of assuming a Canadian identity? Most of all, how have I fed into the feedforward cycle of (immigrants who refuse to integrate and taking Canada for granted) vs (white Canadians seeing the influx of asian immigrants as a threat to assuming a full Canadian identity), and the stalemate that situation seems to create
What have I done on my part to earn my Canadian identity?
I speak English, but there are two official languages in Canada. I vote, but I don't know the history of Canadian politics. I want to practice law in Canada, but to really understand law (and thus practice it pragmatically) means to understand the socio-politico-economic dynamic of the country. Have I assumed full responsbility (just like every citizen should) to know every nook and cranny about the place I live?
What guilts me the most is the fact that I only begun to think about these implications when I asked myself the question "why law?", and tried to come up with a substantive answer. If I did not think to opt for this route, I might've have never asked these questions of myself (and continued to live in indifference)
I have enormous admiration for Mrs.McLachlin. In my eyes, she truly understood this country and served it to the best of her ability -- and that to be is what every responsible citizen should do. It also communicated to me that a legal profession could confer that sort of moral integrity which capitalism has unfortunately corroded. Existentially, a life like that has meaning for me.
I feel inspired by this book. A wonderful thing. Any book that leaves me with the feeling that I have MUCH work to do is a good book.
(This book is a great read for law students: Mrs. McLachlin has amazingly succinct writing. If I wasn't so inundated with UKSC readings (why do british lords and ladies insist on being so convoluted in their written judgements?!), I would love to browse Canada Supreme Court judgements and read McLachlin's judgements. Let's all aim to write succintly and to the point. #accessiblejustice)
November 21, 2020
I felt like I was having tea and a conversation with a friend.
Beverly McLachlin was the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and served as such for over 17 years.
She wrote her autobiography in the manner she learned to write for the university newspaper and the Edmonton journal. Find, your lede, list the pros and cons, include all relevant details and tie it together, clearly and succinctly.
I love this style...and like Michelle Obama’s autobiography, I found it inspirational and so meaningful. And she shares how female mentors helped her as well.
I now understand better the Canadian judicial system.
I understand the importance of our Charter of Rights and how it evolves as our world changes.
I admire how she chatted and dined with politicians from both sides but was not political.
She acknowledged the positive impact most of the Prime Ministers had on her career and life. And shared fabulous photos of them together.
She tempered her wrath and only stated the facts when a fellow Albertan Prime Minister (who shall not be named by me), attempted to disgrace her with inaccurate accusations. There are no photos of him in her book.
She is also a foodie, with a family cookbook to her credit. I have placed a hold at the library this morning on her first novel. She is a fellow dog lover. And a proud Mother who struggled to find the balance of family and work.
So I extend an open invitation to Beverly McLachlin, next time she is in windy southern Alberta, to stop by for tea and to continue our conversation. Heck, I might even serve up my favourite dinner and share my recipe!
Beverly McLachlin was the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and served as such for over 17 years.
She wrote her autobiography in the manner she learned to write for the university newspaper and the Edmonton journal. Find, your lede, list the pros and cons, include all relevant details and tie it together, clearly and succinctly.
I love this style...and like Michelle Obama’s autobiography, I found it inspirational and so meaningful. And she shares how female mentors helped her as well.
I now understand better the Canadian judicial system.
I understand the importance of our Charter of Rights and how it evolves as our world changes.
I admire how she chatted and dined with politicians from both sides but was not political.
She acknowledged the positive impact most of the Prime Ministers had on her career and life. And shared fabulous photos of them together.
She tempered her wrath and only stated the facts when a fellow Albertan Prime Minister (who shall not be named by me), attempted to disgrace her with inaccurate accusations. There are no photos of him in her book.
She is also a foodie, with a family cookbook to her credit. I have placed a hold at the library this morning on her first novel. She is a fellow dog lover. And a proud Mother who struggled to find the balance of family and work.
So I extend an open invitation to Beverly McLachlin, next time she is in windy southern Alberta, to stop by for tea and to continue our conversation. Heck, I might even serve up my favourite dinner and share my recipe!
June 27, 2022
Beverley McLachlin is such an inspirational figure in Canadian contemporary history. She was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada a few years after I was born, and Chief Justice when I was starting high school. She is the first Chief Justice of whom I can remember having any conscious knowledge and she made Canada's judicial branch accessible and even interesting to me. I did not realize at the time that the Court had not always been this way and that she was in large part responsible for greater transparency in the court's functioning.
Her memoir/autobiography takes us back to her childhood in and around the tiny town of Pincher Creek, Alberta, which I had to look up on a map since I'd never heard of it. The stories from growing up in log cabins with no electricity and her unsatiable quest for knowledge turn her into the trailblazing, questioning, and wise woman she was to become.
I truly enjoyed reading about her relatively ordinary life which she was able to live despite being a ubiquitous public presence. I loved meeting her husband Rory, her son Angus, and then her second husband John. I reveled in being able to relate to her in new ways and am a little sad that I've never had the joy of meeting her in person.
Her nonfiction is much better than her fiction writing, in my humble opinion. I read one of her novels and gave up on the second one, but I sure am glad I stuck with her to arrive at this book, which was beautiful to listen to in her own voice.
Her memoir/autobiography takes us back to her childhood in and around the tiny town of Pincher Creek, Alberta, which I had to look up on a map since I'd never heard of it. The stories from growing up in log cabins with no electricity and her unsatiable quest for knowledge turn her into the trailblazing, questioning, and wise woman she was to become.
I truly enjoyed reading about her relatively ordinary life which she was able to live despite being a ubiquitous public presence. I loved meeting her husband Rory, her son Angus, and then her second husband John. I reveled in being able to relate to her in new ways and am a little sad that I've never had the joy of meeting her in person.
Her nonfiction is much better than her fiction writing, in my humble opinion. I read one of her novels and gave up on the second one, but I sure am glad I stuck with her to arrive at this book, which was beautiful to listen to in her own voice.
November 1, 2020
I’ve always admired her and her writings. This was a wonderful book about her life and it recalled a number of critical points of history.
It also put the new charter in context. The strain on the justices in the 80s and no room for mental health issues. The story of Gerald le Dain and his legacy on his commission on non medical drugs that was years ahead of his time.
Mulroney’s multiple calls to convince her to take the job.
Her husband’s belief that she would be Chief Justice one day. But not living to see it. Her moving the Court in the direction of dignity to die as per her original dissent in the late 80s influenced by her husband’s last days.
An explanation of equality from Aristotle where the view of alike between men but not alike between gender or races - a view that Canadian law under the charter rejected.
The unanimous judgement that the unborn has no rights. Something that only the Canadian charter could support.
Her chat over dinner with the queen was especially telling of someone meeting her idol.
Harper’s war with her was interesting as being explained as simple politics. The Nadon episode where the Supreme Court clarified their independence moving forward.
The Simons bra episode I had forgotten about. But a symbol of the fight still left outstanding.
It also put the new charter in context. The strain on the justices in the 80s and no room for mental health issues. The story of Gerald le Dain and his legacy on his commission on non medical drugs that was years ahead of his time.
Mulroney’s multiple calls to convince her to take the job.
Her husband’s belief that she would be Chief Justice one day. But not living to see it. Her moving the Court in the direction of dignity to die as per her original dissent in the late 80s influenced by her husband’s last days.
An explanation of equality from Aristotle where the view of alike between men but not alike between gender or races - a view that Canadian law under the charter rejected.
The unanimous judgement that the unborn has no rights. Something that only the Canadian charter could support.
Her chat over dinner with the queen was especially telling of someone meeting her idol.
Harper’s war with her was interesting as being explained as simple politics. The Nadon episode where the Supreme Court clarified their independence moving forward.
The Simons bra episode I had forgotten about. But a symbol of the fight still left outstanding.
June 1, 2021
McLachlin is an inspiration for women who are seeking to thrive and carve a way for their female successors in male-dominated professions. The book is divided into 4 parts: the student, the lawyer, the judge, and the chief justice. Throughout these chapters, McLachlin ebbs and flows between her own stories of a childhood in Pincer Creek, love and grief, loss and triumph, and the decades of change and hardship in Canada's legal history that sparkled her career.
Merely a few chapters in, I knew the place for this book was on the shelves of grade 12 Law classrooms. The autobiography is not merely her story, but one of the evolutions of Canadian Law. It is entrenched in landmark cases, thrilling court decisions, and legal promises. All of which could be studied further alongside this book in any classroom (R v Rodriguez, the legalization of Gay Marriage, Truth and Reconciliation and MUCH more). My point is that kids need to read this. Young women need to read this. McLauchlin's book is the spark that young people, just beginning to get a taste of law, need to become inspired by the profession. A real woman, talking about her real life, and how the law affects real people; even those from tiny towns on the prairies who have been told that a high-
reading-retention-rate serves no purpose for a girl in a man's world.
I highly recommend it.
Merely a few chapters in, I knew the place for this book was on the shelves of grade 12 Law classrooms. The autobiography is not merely her story, but one of the evolutions of Canadian Law. It is entrenched in landmark cases, thrilling court decisions, and legal promises. All of which could be studied further alongside this book in any classroom (R v Rodriguez, the legalization of Gay Marriage, Truth and Reconciliation and MUCH more). My point is that kids need to read this. Young women need to read this. McLauchlin's book is the spark that young people, just beginning to get a taste of law, need to become inspired by the profession. A real woman, talking about her real life, and how the law affects real people; even those from tiny towns on the prairies who have been told that a high-
reading-retention-rate serves no purpose for a girl in a man's world.
I highly recommend it.
April 21, 2020
Much like her decisions, Beverly McLachlin is a fantastic writer. She has lived a very interesting and often sad life and approached it with a great deal of optimism.
She is genuinely committed to important legal issues particularly the treatment of women and Indigenous peoples, but also access to justice and other topics such as a robust freedom of speech.
I was only disappointed that the chapters after she became Chief Justice were light on the law and more about personal anecdotes. I thought this was a shame since her court tenure dealt with several monumental decisions. In her earlier chapters, she summarized important decisions in a extremely readable fashion. I would recommend to anyone who is more interested in the Canadian legal system.
She is genuinely committed to important legal issues particularly the treatment of women and Indigenous peoples, but also access to justice and other topics such as a robust freedom of speech.
I was only disappointed that the chapters after she became Chief Justice were light on the law and more about personal anecdotes. I thought this was a shame since her court tenure dealt with several monumental decisions. In her earlier chapters, she summarized important decisions in a extremely readable fashion. I would recommend to anyone who is more interested in the Canadian legal system.
November 15, 2021
Honest, personal, enlightening, informative. Beverley McLachlin, retired Chef Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, born and raised on a remote hard working ranch in Pincher Creek Alberta - proving that humble beginnings and being a woman (studying law - an almost exclusively male profession - in the 1960's never held her back. My sense is that as each opportunity/success landed her way, she was genuinely surprised.
Highly readable, this memoir touches life and career in a most intimate way. A pleasure to read and a woman we can be very proud of.
Highly readable, this memoir touches life and career in a most intimate way. A pleasure to read and a woman we can be very proud of.
December 26, 2022
A remarkable memoir by a clever jurist. Her works of fiction are also quite good. At a time when US Supreme Court, a very political court, overturned Roe v. Wade, Canada left women with the right to choose. That is where it should be!
The idea that Simons would name a bra after this jurist (or Nellie McClung) is as ludicrous (and insulting) as naming a jock strap after Pierre Trudeau!
She is Canada's RBG.
The idea that Simons would name a bra after this jurist (or Nellie McClung) is as ludicrous (and insulting) as naming a jock strap after Pierre Trudeau!
She is Canada's RBG.
September 13, 2020
Loved it - easy to read, great anecdotes. This woman is an inspirational badass.
October 24, 2020
Beverley, if you’re reading this: thank you.
February 19, 2022
Ms. McLachlin knows how to write. She tells a compelling story of her rise in the world of law. She explains how her womanhood both hindered and helped her. She also shares tidbits of insight into the some of the famous, and not so famous, people that she encountered along the way.
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May 22, 2024
Disappointing. Lacks depth. A memoir that skims the surface by relaying events with little emotion or exploration of meaning.
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