Flora!

Reviews

“A fascinating, seamless, and complete memoir of Flora MacDonald, a truly exceptional woman.” — The Miramichi Reader

“Flora!: A Woman in a Man’s World is a captivating tale of hopes and dreams, schemes and crushing disappointment. [Steven’s] decision to maintain the first person — writing as Flora might have — lends authenticity and intimacy while dispelling any ideas that this is a purely objective account. What emerges is a proud, private person with fierce determination, a commitment to social justice, and a strong sense of self.” — Literary Review of Canada

“Flora! is more than the history of a groundbreaking feminist (who, it must be said, never embraced that label). It is also a glimpse of Progressive Conservative Party politics in midtwentieth- century Canada. Typical of its time, the party was dominated by middle-aged white men, but it was also a party that had room for progressive Red Tories, such as MacDonald herself. She elbowed her way into those backrooms and has left a lively account of the policy battles and personality clashes in which she participated. For any student of party evolution in Canada, Flora! is a valuable source.” Charlotte Gray, Canada’s History

“Reflecting on her life Flora states that “it is hard for anyone to assess his or her own accomplishments. I knew I had made a contribution, and I hoped I had made a difference in some of the causes that I took on.” Flora! makes it clear that she definitely made both a contribution and a difference.” — Canadian Historical Review

“Flora!: A Woman in a Man’s World is an inspirational presentation of a life of great achievement and feminist trail-blazing. Flora MacDonald was an extraordinary person who had an exemplary career as politician and feminist. This (auto)biography will be essential to preserving her memory.” — Sandford Borins, University of Toronto