Keith Spicer has never been afraid to speak up. As commissioner of official Languages he preached the benefits of bilingualism to a wary nation. As CRTC Chairman he convinced resistant broadcasters to end violent children’s television programming. As the leader of a citizens’ forum he was a not entirely welcome messenger of taxpayers’ complaints about the ruling power. For all this, Spicer gained a reputation as both a patriot and a hell-raising big-mouth.

In Life Sentences Spicer finally tells his own story in his own words. He explains how a working-class boy raised in monarchist Ontario turned into such a controversial mouthpiece for unity between the “Anglos” and the “frogs,” the politicos and the common people.

Mostly, Spicer blames Paris. First, a fetching Parisian pen pal spurred him to learn French. Then, in student digs in the City of Lights, he imbibed the spirit of Paine, Sartre, Hemingway, and Trotsky. Returning to Canada, Spicer wanted to share his idealism, his appreciation for French – and his no-holds-barred personal style. Spicer taught, wrote, hosted TV and radio shows, and took on the civil service with a unique drive and forthrightness.

Recounting all these achievment causes Life Sentences to veer occasionally into immodesty. For all his admissions of pratfalls and his self-deprecating humour, Spicer positions himself as something of a saviour of the Canadian cause. His failures are followed by triumphs. His flaws become amusing anecdotes. His personal tragedies are reduced to asides. We get Spicer wry, but not raw.

Though Spicer is sometimes too much the shining star of his story, he still sheds light on national figures and events. Readers get and inside view of working with leaders as diverse as Trudeau and Mulroney. The book is packed with the juicy details of the backroom deals behind the headlines.

Spicer’s example shows that Canadians they bravely speak up for what they hope their country can be, they just might be heard. His life encourages Canadians to have their say – in English or in French.