Moving. Gripping. Inspiring. These are just some of the descriptors I’ve heard from strangers who’ve read “Fighting for Democracy.” Friends have jumped in, too; some of whom wouldn’t normally read a book like this.

I’m thrilled and would like to think that everyone will like it; but as Sean Graham said at the end of our interview for his History Slam podcast, I may be slightly biased. (Click on the link to hear my first recorded interview–I had a blast!)

He’s right, I am biased; so here’s part of Sean’s unbiased introduction to the podcast: Compiled by his daughter Janette Higgins, the book provides a riveting account of a oft-forgotten chapter in Canadian history. Higgins’ conviction to the cause is compellingly outlined as he tells his story.

Now for another kind of review: Kirkus Reviews are well known and highly respected in the book world because their anonymous reviewers must meet high standards. You’ve no doubt seen blurbs from Kirkus on the back covers of many a book. Here is their complete review of Fighting for Democracy:

Higgins’ memoir chronicles a life devoted to labor organization and his remarkable experience fighting in the Spanish Civil War.

Harry James Thomas Higgins, generally known as Jim, was born in 1907 in London, one of three children. He lived in the attic apartment of a pub his parents ran but was left without parents when his father died during a German bombing and his mother abandoned the children. He was sent to an orphanage around the age of 7 or 8, a time he surprisingly calls “one of the highlights of my life.” Years later, after having moved to Canada, he endured the Great Depression, and he took whatever job he could find to survive and was sometimes compelled to take shelter at relief camps—“slave camps” he called them—but often ran into trouble with superiors by organizing the other workers to advocate for better treatment. It was a deeply formative experience, one the author poignantly captures: “Hundreds of thousands were feeling the devastating effects of what we now know as ‘the Great Depression,’ but 1935 was the year that brought even the most stubborn to their knees. Yet it continued. Relentlessly. I was a good listener and avid reader, and though I knew I could not believe everything I read, I did know what was happening to the common people.” In 1937, feeling a great solidarity for those resisting the fascist assault on democracy, he decided to join the International Brigades fighting in the Spanish Civil War. Higgins writes plainly but vividly about his time as part of a machine-gun company. It was a role that ensured he would see plenty of combat and which he thrillingly conveys here. His daughter, Janette Higgins, edited his brief but captivating remembrance, truly “a hero’s history.” The account of the Spanish Civil War is as astute as it is dramatic. This is a remarkable peek into a grand history and an impressively humble recounting of a noble life.

A fascinating recollection, simply and movingly told.

I’ve read other positive Kirkus Reviews but there’s usually just one quotable sentence and at least one criticism; some can be quite negative. In the case of Fighting for Democracy, the reviewer had not one negative thing to say.

The only thing missing is the Kirkus star. These are reserved for the leaders of the pack. Many well-known authors don’t get that coveted star, so I rest Dad’s laurels on the review.

Since ’tis the season, Merry Christmas! Or, as a card described in my father’s RCMP file said, “Seasonable Greetings.” Yes, the most subversive thing in his 1941 file is a description of a Christmas card he sent it to a ‘friend’ in Saskatoon, who promptly handed it over to the RCMP. Some friend!

The card is described in detail. With gold and silver foil, it seems as if it was quite fancy. On the outside, was a green Christmas tree topped with a red star and inside was the clenched fist salute of International Brigades, still used today by those fighting for social justice.

My rough rendition, using the Canva app, contains the elements, but when I searched for gold “foil” the sandpaper came up. Perfect: Since my father was a carpenter, I think he would approve.

Here’s another interesting tidbit from my father’s RCMP file, which was part of a report about him when he chaired Rev. W. G. Brown’s election campaign for the United Reform Movement.

An informant had reported on another Presbyterian minister in Saskatoon who is reported to have said, “I have changed a lot since I came to Saskatoon. I have become an out and out rebel, not the machine gun type but nevertheless a revolutionary.”

It is because of people like Rev. W. G. Brown and that fired up Presbyterian minister, or like Tommy Douglas–a Baptist minister voted as “the greatest Canadian,”–and my father and his comrades, that we have things like minimum wage, unemployment insurance, universal health care, and the right of unions to organize. Today’s generation have no end of choice, including regaining rights that have been eroded; but each generation’s issues have to do with unfettered capitalism.

This year, as my family forgoes gathering for Christmas, I’m thinking about all the people in Canada (and the world) who have it far worse than I do, as I sit comfortable, well fed and COVID free, in my cosy heated apartment.

One last thing: the 2020 proceeds from Fighting for Democracy have gone to food banks in Toronto and Peterborough. I think my father would approve. He knew about hunger and homelessness. Thanks to all of you who contributed by buying my father’s book.

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Fighting for Democracy: The True Story of Jim Higgins (1907-1982), A Canadian Activist in Spain’s Civil War can be ordered here.

Other books about Canadians in the Spanish Civil War include: Not For King or Country by Tyler Wentzell, Mac-Pap by Ronald Liversedge with David Yorke, A Chance to Fight Hitler by David Goutor, and Renegades by Michael Petrou.