Reflections of a Siamese Twin: Canada at the Beginning of the Twenty First Century

by John Ralston Saul

Book Overview

In Reflections of a Siamese Twin, Saul turns his eye from a reinterpretation of the Western world to an examination of Canada itself. Caught up in crises-political, economic, and social-Canada... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140259880
• ISBN13: 9780140259889
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Books Canada
• Length: 560 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent political primer for ex-colonies

I found lots in this book that speaks directly to the Australian experience. I wish our politicians here would read it.

Intriguing

Thought provoking book about the re-writing of Canadian history. He brought out a number of interesting angles (art, music etc.) and staying with his philosophical methodology. However, I had hoped he would back up his "assertions" instead of stating "x" and expecting the reader to believe it is true as a matter of faith. Kierkagaard he is not, but a great writer none the less.

Psychological history

Saul's therapized perspective of cultural dynamics in the nation-state is really entertaining and a bit perverse. Canada needs a good cognative therapist, it seems, and Saul is just the guy.

Identity of the north

Saul continues his attack on the "kidnapping" of language by political parties and leaders, and on the misconceptions of economics. There's a lot to digest in this book: Saul has degrees in Economics, History, and Political Science. In this work he blends rich historical background with razor sharp sociological analysis. After reading this book, referenda seem insulting, the "Quebec crisis" looks a farce, and Canada looks a lot more like its own nation and not the bastard child of England or France, nor the little brother of America. But there's no flag waving here, just considered discussion of what's going on. It should be required first year reading in Canadian universities.

It's the best thing I've ever read about Canada

This is a wonderful book about Canada and its myths,illusions and nature. It is amazingly well written and truly exciting; I couldn't wait to read each new chapter. He writes about solitude versus isolation and its impact on the Canadian psyche, tying it all into the Rebellion of 1837. Wonderful.