John Howard’s autobiography, Lazarus Rising, is the biggest-selling political memoir Australia has seen. In it he talks about his love for his family, his rollercoaster ride to the Lodge and how – as prime minister – he responded to issues like climate change and the war on terrorism. Drawing on his deep interest in history, he paints a fascinating picture of a changing Australia.In this new revised edition, he also analyses the cataclysmic lead-up to the 2010 election and the vexed political paradigm that emerged. From the future prospects of the Greens and Independents to the performance of Barnaby Joyce, Howard pulls no punches. No stranger to power struggles himself, he is uniquely qualified to note the remaking of the Nationals, decode tony Abbott’s strategies and understand the pressures facing Julia Gillard and the comeback prospects of Kevin Rudd.Essential reading for all followers of politics.PRAISE FOR LAZARUS RISING:’John Howard has written a magisterial autobiography, compulsively readable in its way’ the Weekend Australian’Underneath Howard’s plain political style lies an excellent communicator. His capacity to express his thoughts clearly, calmly and simply shines through’ Sydney Morning Herald.
The book is divided into 3 parts dealing with Howard’s early years and time in the Frazer government, his years in opposition and finally the Howard government, not surprisingly the longest section. Each chapter deals with a theme of his entire time as PM or specific events.
Howard writes with a simple, clear and direct style, mostly uncluttered but in a few places the language was a little convoluted. A number of chapters are a defense of his record and he carefully outlines the circumstances and rationale for decisions and summarizes them at the end. I found this mildly amusing as it reminded me of writing university papers for assessment. But he intimates at one point that, actually, he is writing for the historical record.
I was only young during the Whitlam and Frazer governments, so this was a fascinating albeit biased history. Being a mostly Liberal voter (although I have voted for nearly every major party at one time or another) and (largely silent) Howard supporter the inherent an justified bias didn’t bother me. It’s an autobiography after all.
He writes at length about his relationship with George Bush and sheds some light on Bush’s awkwardness before the media. He also talks about his relationships with various Asian leaders, which came as a surprise to me. While some politicians are full of rhetoric, Howard was one to just get down to it. I had a lot of empathy for him in the final chapter which covers the Coalition’s last year in government and their inevitable defeat in spite of their best efforts. His final assessment of that defeat was the ‘it’s time’ factor. There are just too many stories to summarize, you’ll have to read the book!
Getting the insider view of many of the events and decisions taken during his government was fascinating. No doubt others would take a different view of history, but I came away with a deeper appreciation for Howard, his approach and the complexities of political office. Even the things I disagreed with him on I could, on the whole, understand. Of course, there are contradictions, but not so many as derail the whole narrative of his career.
Lazarus Rising is an easy read, if a long one. If you enjoy politics or have an interest in Howard’s career you’ll most likely enjoy it. – Goodreads
Hardcover
Author:
Year: 2010
Condition: Great lightly used condition.
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