Only the most fearless of political journalists would dare to open the old wounds of the 1995 Quebec referendum, a still-murky episode in Canadian history that continues to defy our understanding. The referendum brought one of the world's most successful democracies to the brink of the unknown, and yet Quebecers' attitudes toward sovereignty continue to baffle the country's political class. Interviewing 17 key political leaders from the duelling referendum camps, Hébert and Lapierre begin with a simple premise: asking what were these political leaders' plans if the vote had gone the other way. Even 2 decades later, their answers may shock you. And in asking an unexpected question, these veteran political observers cleverly expose the fractures, tensions and fears that continue to shape Canada today.

The yes camp:The paper tiger: Lucien Bouchard -- The reluctant sovereignist: Mario Dumont -- Mast of the game: Jacques Parizeau -- The Quebec No camp: The scullery mouse: Lucienne Robillard -- The kid in the candy store: Jean Charest -- Doctor no: Daniel Johnson -- The feds: The Canadian cousin: Sheila Copps -- From dove to hawk: Brian Tobin -- Humpty Dumpty: Paul Martin -- A hanging in the morning: Raymond Chretien -- The accidental tourist: Andre Ouellet -- The divorce counsellor: Preston Manning -- The Premiers: Thinking out of the box: Roy Romanow -- A new Ontario paradigm: Mike Harris -- Emergency repairs: Frank McKenna -- A man for all seasons: Bob Rae -- The last word: The conjurer: Jean Chretien.