Undiplomatic Notes: Tales from the Canadian Foreign Service

Lawrence T. Woods is an assistant professor of political science at
Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec.

This book need not have been written. It appears at times to be nothing
more than an excuse to retell fishing tales that frequently have little,
if anything, to do with the Foreign Service, Canadian or otherwise. It
is not recommended.

Although the author admits his intention is humorous rather than
academic, many of the stories are less than funny, leaving the volume
resembling a lightweight bedside book designed to put you to sleep. Like
many other political and diplomatic biographies, it would not be missed.
It is unoriginal as well: it borrows several of its stories from more
readable, informative, and amusing Canadian Foreign Service authors such
as Charles Ritchie, George Ignatieff, and Arnold Smith.

The book’s lone redeeming feature is the final (and most serious)
chapter on life as a Foreign Service officer: “Joining Up—and
Surviving.” The author appears well suited to this form of exposé,
and will hopefully be encouraged to write more insider essays. Humor is
not his forte, except perhaps (as the dust jacket suggests) in the eyes
of other retired diplomats.