This book is lucky it has such an interesting plot, otherwise I might have given up on it a third of the way through. The narrator is chronologically situated at the end of the story, so his retelling of the events feels rather distant, especially when he talks about his and the titular monarch's experiences in university. It therefore took me rather a long time to get really involved with the characters and go along for the satirical political ride.

Fans of Canadian politics will likely enjoy this book or certainly have a strong reaction at least; the usual touchstones of Quebec, regionalism, the armed forces and the Canadian identity are extensively played with here, often very amusingly. Some of it seems a bit more wish fulfillment as opposed to "this could actually happen", but this is fiction, after all, and that's one of the best parts of writing fiction: having characters do or say things you wish you could do. (That's certainly the only reason I write, which is also the reason I don't write for publication... a little wish fulfillment goes a long way.)

To sum up, read this if you like amusing novels about Canadian politics, but read it when you won't be distracted and when you're receptive to "what could be". Also if you're an English history buff, don't let the connotations of the title "King John" spoil the book. I will admit that's the first thing I think of when I see those two words together, like "Ugh, Lackland." This King John is a bit more competent and a lot more loyalty-inspiring. ( )

What if Canada had its very own, home-grown monarch? This is the premise upon which Scott Gardiner has written King John of Canada. And, now that Canada has its very own king, chosen by national lottery, issues like Quebec separation, western Alienation and Aboriginal affairs turn out very differently. It is written as a memoir, narrated by the King's faithful adviser, Blue.

This is a wonderfully funny book. It's intelligent and topical and should appeal to anyone interested in Canadian politics and the Canadian psyche.

I loved Mr. Gardiner's earlier book, The Dominion of Wyley McFadden, and this second novel as well. ( )