Exxon-eration

Robert Porter #2

by Richard Rohmer

1976. first thus . 223 pages. Paperback book with pictorial cover. Pages and binding are presentable with no major defects. Minor issues present such as mild cracking, inscriptions, inserts, light foxing, tanning and thumb marking. Overall a good condition item. Paper cover has mild edge-wear with light rubbing and creasing. Some light marking and tanning.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Canada

223 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Major-General (Ret'd) Richard Heath Rohmer, OC, CMM, DFC, O.Ont, KStJ, CD, OL, QC, JD, LLD (born in 1924). Canada's most decorated citizen, an aviator, a senior lawyer (aviation law), adviser to business leaders and the Government of Ontario and is a prolific writer. Rohmer was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and spent some of his early youth in Pasadena, California as well as in western Ontario at Windsor and Fort Erie.

The Peterborough Examiner's lead editorial of 14 January 2009 says this: "Rohmer, one of Canada's most colourful figures of the past half-century, was a World War II fighter pilot, later a major-general in the armed forces reserve, a high-profile lawyer and a successful novelist and biographer."

Reviews

[Paul Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel for which Richard Rohmer ought to be given top points for political prescience - an ill-fated attempt by the USA to annex Canada. My recollection of the details of the novel is sadly lacking but this I do recall - I enjoyed EXXON-ERATION immensely. Definitely recommended and likely of particular interest to Canadian readers who wish to snub their nose at Trump and his current political machinations!

[Dominick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moderately entertaining, if thinly-populated by round characters, account of an ill-considered attempt by the USA to annex Canada (the most enjoyable part of the novel, at least for this Canadian, as American hubris leads to a humiliating, if unlikely, defeat when they try to invade) because of the energy crisis. The USA wants Canada's oil and natural gas reserves, so.... After the failed annexation, Petro-Canada sets out to take over Exxon, and the bulk of the novel documents the attempt to put together and achieve the buyout. It's an interesting conceit, at least, even if the ultimate outcome creaks. Probably the most interesting element of the novel, though, despite being a minor point, is the concept of a travelling House of Commons, ensuring that all MPS experience more of the country in a bid for greater unity. I know I read this way back when it came out but remembered nothing other than the idea of Canada defeating the USA in a one-day war. It's no more memorable this time.

[Reading Rohmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this sequel to Ultimatum, hero Colonel Pierre Thomas de Gaspé, “a tall man with an easy smile and a domineering, forceful presence”, thwarts the United States’ conquest of Canada by bottling up the invading army at Toronto International Airport. A summit is arranged, to negotiate a peace treaty, and Prime Minister Porter naturally wants de Gaspé there, because de Gaspé is also the president of Petro-Canada. (“Even though I’ve known you for years, Pierre, I had no idea you were involved in the military…”) The treaty is signed, but de Gaspé has one more fantastic card up his sleeve: The ultimate revenge. “Prime Minister, I propose that Petro-Canada do a take-over bid on Exxon.”

More: Exxoneration discussed at the Reading Richard Rohmer blog

[Lawrence Folland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ultimatum and the sequel Exxoneration. I read them many years ago, but I think about it regularly which, I think, is a good sign of the impact of a book. It's one of the closest things to patriotism in Canadians I've ever read.