The Governors General

You might not think that governors general and gossip would go together, but that may be because you haven’t read The Governors General. This book is a little bit gossipy, but it’s also a heartfelt exploration of the institution that’s central to Canada as a constitutional monarchy.

Author John Fraser, a journalist and academic, has written profiles of the Canadians who’ve served as governors general since 1952 (save for former governor general Mary Simon, who’s mentioned but hadn’t completed her term when Fraser was writing the book, and new Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour). Fraser’s connections to all the governors general — and many in their orbit — and his passion for the topic mean readers are treated to a unique look at the GGs’ strengths and weaknesses, their partners, their personalities and all they’ve done for this country.