Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned the dry world of politics into a laugh-out-loud adventure—meet Terry Fallis! With his sharp wit and knack for satire, Fallis has become a beloved voice in Canadian literature, blending humor with heartfelt commentary on the quirks of political life. His debut novel, The Best Laid Plans, didn’t just win awards; it redefined how we chuckle at the chaos of Parliament Hill.
From engineering labs to the campaign trail, Fallis’s journey to literary stardom is as unexpected as his characters’ antics. Let’s dive into the life, works, and legacy of this award-winning author who proves that politics can be downright hilarious.
The Making of Terry Fallis
Born in Toronto in 1959, Terry Fallis grew up with a passion for problem-solving that led him to McMaster University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in 1983. But politics, not pistons, captured his heart. As a student, he dove into university politics, even serving as president of the McMaster Students Union. After graduation, Fallis traded blueprints for ballots, working as a strategist for Liberal Party heavyweights like Jean Chrétien and Michael Ignatieff. In 1995, he co-founded Thornley Fallis, a public relations agency, sharpening his storytelling skills in the world of communications.
Writing was a later calling. Frustrated by the lack of publisher interest, Fallis took a bold leap, self-publishing his debut novel as a podcast in 2007. That gamble paid off, launching a career that would make him a household name in Canadian literary circles.
Terry Fallis’s Unforgettable Stories
Fallis’s novels are like a perfectly timed punchline—smart, relatable, and impossible to put down. His debut, The Best Laid Plans (2008), follows Daniel Addison, a jaded political aide, and Angus McLintock, a crusty engineering professor turned unlikely MP. This satire of Canadian politics won the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and the 2011 Canada Reads competition, hailed as the decade’s essential Canadian novel. Its success spawned a CBC TV miniseries and a Vancouver stage musical.
The sequel, The High Road (2010), continues Daniel and Angus’s misadventures, tackling dirty campaign tactics with razor-sharp wit. No Relation (2014), a standalone novel, earned Fallis his second Leacock Medal, exploring identity and coincidence with a lighter, comedic touch. Operation Angus (2021) brings back the dynamic duo, thrusting them into international intrigue with stakes higher than a House of Commons debate. Fallis’s style blends insider political knowledge with accessible humor, making readers laugh while pondering the absurdities of governance.
With nine national bestsellers, including A New Season (2023), Fallis crafts stories that feel like a chat with a witty friend. His engineering background shines through in his methodical plotting, while his political experience grounds his satire in authenticity.
Why Terry Fallis Matters
Terry Fallis has done more than make us laugh—he’s reshaped how Canadians view their political landscape. His novels offer a refreshing antidote to cynicism, showing that integrity and humor can coexist in public life. By spotlighting small-town ridings and quirky characters, Fallis captures the heart of Canada, earning accolades like the Libris Award for Author of the Year in 2013 and the Ontario Library Association’s Evergreen Award.
His innovative path—podcasting to self-publishing to literary acclaim—inspires aspiring writers to take risks. Fallis’s work reminds us that satire isn’t just funny; it’s a mirror to society, encouraging us to think critically while smiling.
- Born: 1959, Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: The Best Laid Plans, The High Road, No Relation, Operation Angus
- Awards: Stephen Leacock Medal (2008, 2015), Canada Reads (2011), Libris Award (2013)
Ready to laugh your way through Parliament Hill? Snag The Best Laid Plans and dive into Terry Fallis’s brilliant world of political satire!