I can't say that I really knew Richler well, but I met him a few times and have read most of his books; both the novels and some of the non-fiction.

My father is about five few years older than Richler and grew up in the same neighbourhood, went to the same schools, etc. as Richler so it was always a treat for me to get an insight into that world through Richler's books.

Speaking both as a Montrealer, and as someone with an MA in poli sci, I'll also say that "Oh Canada, Oh Quebec," his book on Quebec nationalism is one of the best analyses ever on the subject.

Mike Regenstreif