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Riel: A Life Of Revolution
Highly acclaimed for its fresh, intimate portrait of one of Canada's most enduring -- and most misunderstood -- legends, Maggie Siggins' Riel: A Life of Revolution has become the reading choice of Canadians everywhere. Rich in texture and detail, illuminating in its revelations of the people and events who molded the charismatic rebel, Riel: A Life of Revolution is a truly
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Community Reviews
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I found this biography on the "discard sale" table at our local library, and loved it so much I went back to the library to tell them they'd made a mistake and should keep it (they had another copy on the shelf). This is a deeply compelling and utterly heartbreaking story, like watching a terrible accident in slow motion and being unable to stop it and unable to look away. (O.K., some of the centre section about Riel's long and depressing exile is, well, depressing, and a bit too detailed, but k
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Riel had an incredibly interesting and pained life which is mirrored in my appreciation for this book. The first chapters up to about 1870 are the most important for Canadian history, after which Riel had a pretty rough time of it as he chose to represent and work with the more down-and-out from Montana to Saskatchewan.
He was part French, part Native, and born on the edge of what was 'civilization' at the time. This was both his strength and weakness as he could never develop broad enough coali ...more
He was part French, part Native, and born on the edge of what was 'civilization' at the time. This was both his strength and weakness as he could never develop broad enough coali ...more
Let me start by saying I was really excited to read this. My previous knowledge of Riel was pretty limited. It essentially consisted of elementary school social studies class and John Coulter's "The Trial of Louis Riel" play. So I was basically starting out under the assumption that the guy was a (probably) mentally unstable rebellion leader.
I love the depth that Siggins' gave both Riel and the political & social landscape. This was a fascinating read and might have even gotten 5 stars. Wha ...more
I love the depth that Siggins' gave both Riel and the political & social landscape. This was a fascinating read and might have even gotten 5 stars. Wha ...more
Overall this was a fairly balanced telling of the facts of his life and the two conflicts that define it. The period of exile in the US was interesting to me as it was the least known aspect of the story. I thought that the trial was glossed over but I wasn't especially worried as the next book I have to read covers the trial itself.
A decent read. Glad I picked it up.
A decent read. Glad I picked it up.
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