John Boyko Book order

"Through the lens of six remarkable participants in the Vietnam War, some well-known, others obscure, bestselling historian John Boyko recounts Canada's often-overlooked involvement in that conflict as peacemaker, combatant and provider of sanctuary. When Brigadier General Sherwood Lett arrived in Vietnam over a decade before American troops, he and the Canadians under his command risked their lives trying to enforce an unstable peace while questioning whether they were American lackeys--or handmaidens to a new war. As American battleships steamed across the Pacific, Canadian diplomat Blair Seaborn was meeting secretly in Hanoi with North Vietnam's prime minister; if Seaborn could convince the Americans to accept his roadmap to peace, those ships could be turned around before war began. Claire Culhane worked in a Canadian hospital in Vietnam and then returned home to implore Canadians to stop supporting what she demed an immoral war. Joe Erickson was among 30,000 young Americans who evaded the draft by heading north; Doug Carey was among 20,000 Canadians heading the other way to fight. Rebecca Trinh and her family fled Saigon and joined the waves of desperate Indochinese refugees, thousands of whom forged new lives in Canada. Through these wide-ranging and fascinating accounts, Boyko exposes what he calls the Devil's wiliest trick: convincing leaders that war is desirable, the public that it's acceptable and combatants that what they are doing and seeing is normal, or at least necessary. In uncovering Canada's side of the story, he reveals the many secret and forgotten ways that Canada not only fought the Vietnam War but was shaped by its lies and consequences."-- Provided by publisher

The book argues that the federal government has played a crucial role in shaping Canada's identity and responding to crises, as envisioned by Sir John A. Macdonald. John Boyko emphasizes that Ottawa should be acknowledged as the true representative of all Canadians, rather than the provinces, highlighting the importance of a unified national voice in the country's history and development.

The narrative centers on the complex dynamics between three pivotal leaders during the Cold War era: John F. Kennedy, John Diefenbaker, and Lester Pearson. Boyko reveals how Kennedy relied on Canada for strategic support while Diefenbaker fiercely defended Canadian sovereignty. The book uncovers shocking historical revelations, such as Canada's secretive role during the Cuban Missile Crisis and its involvement in Vietnam, alongside the intriguing notion that Diefenbaker's actions may have influenced Kennedy's fate in Dallas.

Exploring the intricate connections between Canada and the United States, this book challenges traditional perspectives on the Civil War, Confederation, and Canadian identity. It delves into historical events and relationships that shaped both nations, offering fresh insights that redefine our understanding of their intertwined histories.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the CCF emerged as a hopeful political force in Canada, advocating for a fairer society. By 1943, it gained significant popularity, prompting fear among rivals who sought to undermine it. This book encourages readers to reflect on the manipulation of political opinions, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary political dynamics in Canada. It invites a critical examination of how fear and opposition shape political landscapes.

Exploring the deep-seated roots of racism in Canada, this book delves into the nation’s history of race riots, segregation, and cultural genocide. It presents a chronological and regional analysis of the experiences of various ethnic groups, including Chinese, Ukrainian, Jewish, Japanese, Black, and Native Canadians. By highlighting overlooked figures like Viola Desmond and Big Bear, it encourages a candid reflection on past injustices while recognizing the progress made. The text serves as a call for acknowledgment and atonement for historical wrongs.