The Incomparable Atuk Book

The message of this book rings true today - the hypocrisy of Canadians who strive to differentiate themselves from Americans by honouring Canadian culture regardless of its quality. Of course we have some very high quality art and culture, but let's face it, certain tv shows that would never have made it through a season in the US are still with us years later - cough, cough, Corner Gas. And while I love the Group of Seven too, if I see their art bastardized on one more set of coasters or placemats, I'm going to scream! So Mordecai Richler makes some excellent points here, however, this book itself represents to me the same phenomena...it's extremely dull and unentertaining, but full of Canadian content. Is this an ironic example of another Canadian work of art that has been given some attention simply because it was created by a Canadian icon, or did Richler actually write it using such a technique to drive home his point? If I knew that answer, I'd be able to determine whether I liked this book or not. I loved the Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and would love to think that Mordecai couldn't disappoint me with later works, and yet...I was as entertained reading this as I was when I wathced 5 minutes of Corner Gas....