The Saga of Red Ryan: And Other Tales of Violence from Canada's Past

Jami van Haaften is a librarian and author of An Index to Selected
Canadian Provincial Government Publications for Librarians, Teachers and
Booksellers.

This collection of six biographical tales brings to life events in Canadian history as no textbook can. Martin Robin’s smooth writing style makes each chapter an enjoyable read.

The author, a native of Winnipeg, teaches in the political science department at Simon Fraser University. His previous book, The Bad and the Lonely, became a Canadian bestseller. His writings are also found in periodicals such as Canadian Dimension, Canadian Historical Review, and Canadian Forum. He has worked for CBC radio and television in the production of documentaries.

The first story, “His Lordship,” begins with the arrival of an Englishman in Minneapolis, proclaiming himself to be a Scottish lord. He has completed swindles from New York to Winnipeg, and investigators and victims from both sides of the border, as well as from England and Scotland, work to end his “noble” career.

The title story, which takes place in Ontario, recounts the lawless antics of a young boy. In and out of prison twice, Ryan ends up back in the Kingston Penitentiary for a third term, with a 25-year sentence for bank robberies. Within 12 years Toronto newspapers are describing him as a reformed person, working in the prison hospital. The media, his family, the clergy, and politicians work for his early release. The success of their efforts results in a violent end for this gangster.

Another story looks at the treatment of Hindus in western Canada as they attempted to emigrate from India in the early 1900s. Efforts of the citizenry, politicians, and government officials to stem the influx of immigrants produced violent and murderous results.

Each tale, carefully researched and with meticulous references and footnotes, is related with an obvious view to the humourous, as well as empathic, attributes of the criminal life.