Flora!

In Flora!, co-authored by Geoffrey Stevens, the politician and humanitarian Flora Isabel MacDonald tells her amazing journey, from her childhood in Cape Breton through her years in backroom politics and elected office, ending with her exceptional humanitarian work in war-torn Afghanistan and other developing countries.

Flora MacDonald (1926–2015) was a Canadian politician and humanitarian and Canada's first female minister of foreign affairs.Stevens Geoffrey :

Geoffrey Stevens is a political columnist, former managing editor of the Globe and Mail and Maclean's, and author of The Player: The Life and Times of Dalton Camp.

Flora MacDonald (1926–2015) was a Canadian politician and humanitarian and Canada's first female minister of foreign affairs.

Geoffrey Stevens (1940–2023) was a political columnist, former managing editor of the Globe and Mail and Maclean's, and author of The Player: The Life and Times of Dalton Camp.

"Flora!: A Woman in a Man’s World is an inspirational presentation of a life of great achievement and feminist trail-blazing. Flora MacDonald was an extraordinary person who had an exemplary career as politician and feminist. This (auto)biography will be essential to preserving her memory.” Sandford Borins, University of Toronto

“Flora!: A Woman in a Man’s World is a captivating tale of hopes and dreams, schemes and crushing disappointment. [Steven’s] decision to maintain the first person — writing as Flora might have — lends authenticity and intimacy while dispelling any ideas that this is a purely objective account. What emerges is a proud, private person with fierce determination, a commitment to social justice, and a strong sense of self.” Literary Review of Canada

“Flora! is more than the history of a groundbreaking feminist (who, it must be said, never embraced that label). It is also a glimpse of Progressive Conservative Party politics in midtwentieth- century Canada. Typical of its time, the party was dominated by middle-aged white men, but it was also a party that had room for progressive Red Tories, such as MacDonald herself. She elbowed her way into those backrooms and has left a lively account of the policy battles and personality clashes in which she participated. For any student of party evolution in Canada, Flora! is a valuable source.” Charlotte Gray, Canada’s History

“A fascinating, seamless, and complete memoir of Flora MacDonald, a truly exceptional woman.” The Miramichi Reader

“Reflecting on her life Flora states that “it is hard for anyone to assess his or her own accomplishments. I knew I had made a contribution, and I hoped I had made a difference in some of the causes that I took on.” Flora! makes it clear that she definitely made both a contribution and a difference.” Canadian Historical Review