Accordingly, it is stories like these that give you the look into what boils down to human relations and planning for a better future.Īlthough still written as would be spoken and highly enjoyable, I did find this sequel to be a bit more brash, further demarcating party lines, and much more deprecating of subsequent governments (Liberal and Conservative alike). The fact is that politics isn’t limited to what we see in front of the cameras or via the news on a daily basis. Personally, I firmly believe that such insight is instrumental in understanding some of the background to decisions that get made at the political level.

Once again, Chrétien serves up an interesting mix of stories pertaining to the domestic and international domains, recounting moments varying from tense standoffs to laughable scenes amongst some of the great world leaders of the past several decades. In the image of the 2019 edition, the follow up was more of the same style, providing a “written as spoke” type narrative of different stories from throughout the former prime minister’s time in Canadian politics. In the wake of his published memoirs My Stories, My Times in 2019, followed by its general success and positive reception, Jean Chrétien published My Stories, My Times Vol 2 late in 2021, which I was quick to get my hands on after thoroughly enjoying the former book. Above all, these stories illustrate Jean Chr�tien's firm belief that we must never cease searching for common ground despite our differences. Jean Chr�tien's stories serve to remind us that there is more to unite than divide us as a country, and that we have institutions we can take enormous pride in and values we must strive to maintain and keep building upon. With a delightful randomness, he remembers events and personalities that shaped our nation in a multitude of ways, and offers his views on international current events, including Canada-China relations, Brexit, and interprovincial dealings. This collection of essays features his trademark candour and ever-sharp political acumen, with plenty of wit to accompany the wisdom. With a career that spanned decades and an active retirement after that, it should come as no surprise that Jean Chr�tien's illuminating, perceptive and often humorous stories could not be contained in just one book. With anecdotes and reflections both serious and light-hearted, My Stories, My Times, Volume 2 is a unique window on our country from one of its greatest statesmen and patriots. Following on the heels of his bestselling collection of political reminiscences, former Canadian prime minister Jean Chr�tien still has a few more stories to tell.

My Stories, My Times by Jean Chrétien