Customer Reviews

Bastards And Boneheads

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ferguson does a wonderful job making Canadian history, traditionally perceieved as a dull topic, into an enthralling tale of a budding nation, people, and the strange contradiction that is inherent to all things Canadian. The language is simple, yet the ideas are very critical. The humoUr is terrific, yet Ferguson pulls no punches in condemning some of Canada's more shameful history. An excellent primer for anybody interested in Canadian history.

"If I were in charge" is a favourite exercise of those who never were in charge; so let me start by saying, "If I were in charge, I'd make this book mandatory for every high school class."

For one year. Pass or repeat. The next year's assignment would be, "Is Will Ferguson a Bonehead or a Bastard? Explain!"

Bastards succeed, Boneheads fail. Ferguson credits Trudeau, who imposed martial law and censored the free press in 1970, as one of Canada's greatest prime ministers. He rates Diefenbaker, who sought to create a Canadian Bill of Rights, as a Bonehead.

In Canada, such analysis is opinionated, hard-hitting, outrageous and always thought-provoking. It's why Canadians have such a reputation for humour. Ferguson's day job is as a humourist -- perhaps he's now demanding to see the prime minister's birth certificate to learn whether he was born in Ontario or Harperlandia.

In the U.S., Will Rogers used the actual words of politicians for his political humour; Ferguson offers few political quotes, though he pays tribute to Trudeau for that ultimate Canadianism, "Fuddle-duddle". After all, Trudeau would never stoop so low as to say, "My fellow Canadians!"

In the U.S., Maureen Dowd and Molly Ivins used scalpels to slice and dice political buffoonery; Ferguson has all the charm of a wet cod slapped against the side of one's head.

In brief, Ferguson comes across as an "assot". (Look that up in your Funk-and-Wagnalls! or your 'Insulting English' by Peter Novobatzky and Ammon Shea.)

In conclusion, if I were in charge, I'd assign this book as a mandatory history text in all Canadian schools. It's a blunt realistic reality check on the hazards and rewards of service to one's country. Ferguson proves the pen is truly mightier than the campaign speech.

This book actually makes Canadian history interesting! Why the school system doesn't use it is beyond me. Unfortunately, I think the title probably puts off a lot of people and I end up explaining what it means to people who see me reading it BUT the content in the book makes it well worthwhile.

I teach Junior High Canadian History and I loved this book. I even use sections from this book with the students and, once the giggling subsides over the title, it makes for very educational and entertaining reading.

Thank you Mr. Fergusen for making Canadian history fun. Thank you for finding characters in our past that were kooky and strange. Thank you for making these characters and our history entertaining, controversial, and accessible.

Your book brought Canadian history to life for me.

Despite the title of this book, every junior high and high school library should have at least one copy.