Book Review: The Morning After by Chantal Hébert

Few Canadian political commentators have the access and insight of Chantal Hébert. Even 20 years after the 1995 Québec sovereignty referendum, it’s doubtful anyone else could have written this book. Hébert, aided by the late former Liberal MP Jean Lapierre, masterfully pieces together the viewpoints of 17 major players (and an undocumented number of political insiders) involved in the referendum into what should be considered the definitive work on the realpolitik behind that turning point in Québec’s and Canada’s history.

The portrait Hébert uncovers is one of confusion and uncertainty in the final days of the referendum, with all factions gearing up for the aftermath of an increasingly likely Oui vote, which neither side had a cohesive plan to handle. With the 1995 referendum still a critical cornerstone of modern Québec-Canada relations, this book should be required reading for anyone wanting to understand Québec’s current politics and social divisions.

Hébert examines the charged issue of sovereignty with the bluntness, directness and impartiality of a veteran political commentator who has seen it all. The Morning After is a masterstroke of political and social storytelling grounded in compelling real-world politics that still drive the province today.