In this brilliant pamphlet, [Fortier] humorously portrays himself as a liberal intellectual ready to convert to fascism to save his skin. But we understand very well that he is warning us against fear and apathy in the face of a threat that has never been more real. — La Presse

Far from denial, his essay is intended as a call for lucidity, a warning against apathy. Mark Fortier argues that it is through indifference and passivity that we allow ourselves to slide towards fascism. — Radio Canada

The underlying question of his book comes down to asking why there is such indifference to what threatens the democratic regime. The analytical arc opens and closes with more irony. […] The in-between, the essential, chronicles disturbing current events to expose and critique resurgent fascism. But what exactly is this incendiary piece about? What is the connection between the National Rally in France, the ruling Fratelli d’Italia in Italy, and the MAGA movement in the United States? […] The chosen format—that of a short conversion manual in the form of a long confession—lightens the subject.  — Le Devoir

“The first step in converting to fascism is to let go. The subject has to open up to change, let go of fear, and surrender to small cowardly gestures and opportunistic compromises. This is no easy task. Fortunately, there are some outstanding figures who can show us how change can be accepted by degrees, surreptitiously, not with a bang.”

The far right has taken power in a host of countries, and is threatening to triumph in several others. Mark Fortier is worried, but also very weary. Resolutely left-wing in his political convictions, he realizes nevertheless that if he doesn’t want to fall prey to the new masters of the world, he’ll have to change sides.

Of course, this “diary of a conversion” is a satire, a scathing and comic pamphlet that attacks the fascists, but above all those who have allowed democracy to dissolve. The author composes himself into an authoritarian psyche and tries to enthusiastically embrace the convictions of the radical right. Above all, he offers a striking portrait of the degradation of our institutions and a distressing description of what happens when resistance ceases. Fortunately, the therapy fails, leaving enough reason not to give in entirely to despair.