Never at Ease: Memoir of a Mountie

by Paulette Breau, Linda Gill (Editor)

Follow the journey of a young woman as she fulfills her dream of becoming an RCMP officer and enters a world of excitement and honour serving the Canadian public. This is Paulette's story of survival, loneliness, and the will to constantly push forward, even after traumatizing events.

As the only woman in a forty-man detachment, Paulette Breau overcame not only the dangers of the profession but also its despicable subculture. Her accounts of undercover work, the sexual advances of coworkers, and the constant harassment endured over thirty years shines a penetrating light onto the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated occupation. In writing this book, she seeks to be a role model to some and a source of support and compassion to others. This is her story.

222 pages, Paperback

Published December 17, 2019

Reviews

[R. Jetleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, well worth the read. It is a deeply moving, honest memoir about a female mountie so full of hope and optimism as she works at changing the system from the inside. Sadly, the RCMP is not exempt from the corruption, and sexual harassment and demeaning of women in a male dominated profession. Paulette Breau tells her story of her 30 career well and we cheer for her successes and feel despair for her struggles. I had the honour and privilege of meeting this proud Canadian and it leant all the more depth to the story for me.

[Mary Cushnie-Mansour · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Never at Ease: Memoir of a Mountie" is a heart-wrenching account of the trials a woman went through trying to fit into the "old boys' club" known as our Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This story had a special meaning to me as when I was younger, back in the early 70s, I was accepted to join the army, a second choice to becoming a police officer. At the time, there was a height restriction on female police officers and I was an inch too short. After my acceptance to the army, I received an acceptance to Mohawk College, which I accepted. After reading Paulette's story, I am happy I chose Mohawk College!
Getting back to Paulette's story, it is a must-read for any woman to delve into, showing them the struggles women have had to endure in a male-dominated world. I take my hat off to Paulette for everything she accomplished, the courage that it took for her to do so, and then to write about it. Take this book to heart, knowing that many women who came before you have endeavoured to pave a path for you!

[Ed Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

courageous and enlightening

The author’s description of her journey and her struggles with institutional sexism and her own demons is very compelling. I strongly recommend this book.

[Kelly]

I recently had the honor of meeting and spending some time with Paulette - including attending a few of her lectures. I was impressed by her warmth, humor, and knowledge of the RCMP. She is a great storyteller and in this memoir she vulnerably shares her life. This book further confirmed my initial impressions of Paulette. She is a strong, brave, compassionate woman and a role model for women and girls.