mickymac 's review for:

5.0

This is possibly the best book I have ever read. A complex, witty, sometimes whimsical, story that takes Joey Smallwood from poor boy to unsuccessful journalist to the Premier who lead Newfoundland to join the Canadian confederation. the tale is carefully and cleverly constructed using the fictional, and very funny, journalist Shelagh Fielding as his muse.

The story of Smallwood and the corrupt and ramshackle independent Newfoundland is amusing, moving and inspiring. through the cynicism , the story shows how the uncharismatic, ill-advised Smallwood achieves hos dream of power and then fails to deliver his dreams but finds his humanity.