“A working class hero is something to be,” John Lennon reminded us in one of his better post-Beatles songs. Jim Higgins was the genuine article. Tom Sandborn, Vancouver Sun
The story is harrowing, epic, principled, and romantic. …The episodes in the book will stay with you forever. The narrow escapes, the heroic rescues, the love, the grit and determination. The pages turn quickly and one feels gratitude extending out to Higgins and his compañeros. Theirs was a valiant attempt to stop the march of fascism before it took hold. Joe Barrett, Victoria, B.C. reviewed for GoodReads
“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…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 accounting of a noble life.” –Kirkus Reviews See full review here
This memoir is outstanding for numerous reasons, but primarily Jim is describing his experiences in vivid and coherent detail. This added context to the knowledge I have of the campaigns the XV International Brigade fought in, enriching my understanding of the conflict. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is the most outstanding memoir I have read. In fact I can safely say it is one of the few truly magnificent books I have read; I cannot see how it could be improved or even surpassed. Tony Fox, History Teacher, Northeast England (See full review here.)
I was riveted. There are few workers’ memoirs as excellent…engaging, informative, and very well written. James L. Turk, Director, Centre for Free Expression (Canada), and co-editor, Free Speech in Fearful Times
I was hooked from the beginning. The fact that (Higgins) was involved in secret ops makes his book particularly memorable…a key read for anyone interested in the period, particularly historians looking for new details about the Battle of the Ebro. Jason Webster, author of Violencia: A New History of Spain (2019) as well as several other books (fiction and non-fiction) about Spain.
Jim’s story is typical of that of many volunteers, but also unique. He has an easy, honest and forthright writing style that makes the manuscript a pleasure to read. Michael Petrou, author of Renegades: Canadians in the Spanish Civil War (2008)
It’s the story of an ordinary guy who lived an extraordinary life, much, much fuller and livelier than most, and made his way through that life with dignity, aplomb and a sense of purpose. It kept my interest throughout. Tom Alderman, CBC journalist and editor/author (retired)
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Fighting for Democracy: The True Story of Jim Higgins (1907-1982), A Canadian Activist in Spain’s Civil War by Jim Higgins
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Fighting for Democracy by Jim Higgins is the latest book about the Mac-Paps, Canadians in the Spanish Civil War who fought with the Mackenzie Papineau Battalion, which was part of the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War.
The most recent 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.