Author Jack Stilborn Launches Debut Novel “The Tyranny of Good Intentions” with Ottawa Book Event
September 10, 2025 | For Immediate Release
Satirical Political Fiction Explores Democracy's Smallest Battlefield
Jack Stilborn will celebrate the launch of his debut novel, The Tyranny of Good Intentions, at Perfect Books in Ottawa on Wednesday, September 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The event marks the official release of this engaging political fiction that has already garnered considerable praise.
The Tyranny of Good Intentions follows Andrew Walmer, a political science professor whose life becomes increasingly complicated as he navigates the treacherous waters of condo board politics, academic controversies, and personal relationships. Through Walmer’s misadventures, Stilborn creates what reviewers are calling “a readable and telling exploration of the ‘politics’ of contemporary living.”
The novel has received enthusiastic endorsements from an impressive array of Canadian literary and political voices. Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Leacock Medal for Humour, describes it as “a very funny and thoughtful novel about people, politics, and the never ending quest to do the right thing,” adding that he “happily joined [Walmer] for the joyride.”
Dr. William Young, former Parliamentary Librarian, praises the work as a “timely reminder for all readers of the personal impact of political life as well as a lesson for all would-be politicians of its potential pitfalls.” The Hon. Jon Gerrard, former federal cabinet minister and longtime Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, calls it “an engaging story” that demonstrates how “small things matter in human connections as the condo board struggles portend what can happen in the larger political world.”
Author Colin Brezicki notes that “Stilborn’s debut novel is a delight: funny, poignant and wise,” while Arlene Smith, President of the Canadian Authors Association - National Capital Region, observes that “Stilborn has a singular author’s voice. With subtle wit he leads his characters through hefty issues with a light touch.”
Set against the backdrop of academic life and community politics, the novel explores themes of representation, democratic participation, and the challenges of doing the right thing in complex situations. Stilborn draws on his understanding of political dynamics to create what one reviewer describes as “musical harmonies that are separate but interdependent” as his protagonist attempts to navigate multiple spheres of political life.
The book launch event at Perfect Books will provide an opportunity for readers to meet Stilborn and discover this fresh voice in Canadian fiction. The novel promises to resonate with anyone who has ever found themselves caught between good intentions and political realities, whether in a condo boardroom or the corridors of power.
About the Author: Jack Stilborn brings unique authority to this political satire through his extensive experience in Canadian government and politics. A former academic in political science, intergovernmental affairs advisor for the Ontario government, and research analyst for Parliament, Stilborn has witnessed firsthand the political dynamics he explores with such wit in The Tyranny of Good Intentions. His career path from the halls of Parliament to condo board meetings provides him with the perfect vantage point to examine how democratic processes play out at every level of society.
Following earlier writing about parliamentary government, Stilborn returned to fiction with a short story that received Honourable Mention in the 2024 Alice Munro Short Story Contest. His short stories have also appeared in literary magazines such as Blank Spaces. When not writing, he enjoys eclectic reading, volunteer work, cycling, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. He lives with his spouse Linda, with whom he has raised three children.
The Tyranny of Good Intentions is available in paperback and ebook formats, through Chicken House Press or wherever books are sold.
ISBN trade paperback edition: 978-1-033697-3
