Book reviews this week include a non-fiction book on movie makers, and far more impressive, two historical fiction novels by Philippa Gregory, which begin in England, with the struggle between the monarchy and parliamentary government providing the background to Tidelands. Class and gender are a focus of the local story set on the coast of Sussex. In the sequel, Dark Tides, the trade links between London and Venice and the return of the monarchy with its consequences for Cromwell’s supporters, and their acquisition of American land with its impact on Native Americans are exposed. The story reflecting a positive relationship between Ireland and the Choctaw Indian tribe, appearing on Facebook at the same time as I read the second of the novels was interesting.
Bing Images of the Choctaw Memorial, Kindred Spirits.
The pictured sculpture was built because in 1847 the Choctaw people sent money to Ireland when they learned that Irish people were starving due to the potato famine. The Choctaw themselves were living in hardship and poverty, having recently endured the Trail of Tears. Thank you Devin O’Branagan for sharing this story on Facebook.
Another follow up, although not dedicated to Native Americans, worth watching for further insight into events after those described by Philippa Gregory in Dark Tides is the documentary directed by Ken Burns, Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery, set in 1804.
Book Reviews
Philippa Gregory Tidelands Simon & Schuster 2021 As usual Philippa Gregory places women at the centre of her well researched, engrossing historical novel. In Tidelands the descriptive prose introducing the setting is particularly evocative. The tidelands are far from Gregory’s depiction of the palaces and seat of the Tudors’ governance and intrigue established by famous figures. The Sussex coast, where water and land intermingle, creating danger for those who do not know the area, and mastery of the environment for those who do, is the location of much of the novel. Philippa Gregory, Dark Tides, Simon & Schuster, 2021. Please do not read this review if you do not want to see possible spoilers for Tidelands, to which this is the sequel. In some respects, Dark Tides is a disappointing sequel to Tidelands. The poetic language associated with the ebb and flow of the water and land in Tidelands is missing. Instead, the Thames, dark and odoriferous, swills around the docklands of Shad Thames, the wrong side of the river where small warehouses, mean dwellings, and the thought of poverty prevail. However, despite these surrounds, Alinor and Alys appreciate their escape from the physical and emotional assaults they have left behind in Sealsea Island, Sussex and are making new lives for themselves and the children, Sarah, and Johnnie, in London.
George Thomas Clark, They Make Movies BooksGoSocial 2
They Make Movies is a combination of fiction, real events, and interpretations of the protagonists’ attitude towards the films in which they appeared or directed. Some of the events are seemingly told by the subject of the chapter, others appear to be based on reality or the author’s interpretation, described as if they are addressed directly by the subject. As exciting as this presentation could be, I found that I could not warm to the execution of this style in They Make Movies, although some of the observations are well made.
See Books: Reviews for the complete reviews.
In conversation with Julia Banks
ANU/The Canberra Times Meet the Author series »Register now
Julia Banks and Virginia Haussegger will be in conversation on Julia’s new book Power Play. Breaking Through Bias, Barriers and Boys’ Clubs, an honest guide for women who aspire to leadership in the workplace and in the world.
Having won the ‘unwinnable’ seat that secured the Coalition Government majority in 2016, Julia Banks shocked Australia when she announced she would stand as an independent MP in 2018, having experienced a toxic workplace culture in the country’s centre of power – designed by men for their dominance. Julia doesn’t just know what power looks like in a political sense; she made it to the top of her game in the legal and corporate sectors before running for parliament. And at every level, she had to navigate through the bias, barriers and boys’ clubs that aim to silence women or deter them from leadership roles.
Power Play reveals the unvarnished realities of any workplace where power disparities and gender politics collide: from the unequal opportunities, casual sexism and systemic misogyny, to pressures around looks, age and family responsibilities, and the consequences of speaking out. Julia shares personal stories, practical advice, and a resounding argument for why women aren’t the problem – but why more women in decision-making positions will help us find the solution.
Julia Banks has unique leadership experience spanning a career in law, the corporate business world and as a Member of the Federal Parliament of Australia. Julia graduated in Arts and Law from Monash University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She worked in global companies for over twenty years, in senior executive director roles and as General Counsel. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 as the only candidate to win a seat from the Opposition, resulting in the Coalition returning to government with a one-seat majority. Amidst controversy in 2018, she resigned from the Coalition Government’s Liberal Party and stood as an independent MP. Julia is now the principal consultant in her own business and a public speaker in the areas of governance, workplace culture, and women in leadership.
Virginia Haussegger AM, a passionate women’s advocate and communication specialist, is the former Chair and Founding Director of the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation, at the University of Canberra, where she is an Adjunct Professor. The Foundation has a singular focus on improving the representation of women in leadership and key decision making roles across all levels of government and public administration. Virginia anchored the ABC’s flagship TV News in Canberra from 2001-2016. She was the 2019 ACT Australian of the Year. In 2020 Virginia launched the popular podcast series BroadTalk, which takes a deep dive into contemporary debate around Women, Power and the wayward World.
Award-winning author and ABC Insiders regular Niki Savva will give the vote of thanks. Niki was Peter Costello’s press secretary for six years, and was on John Howard’s staff for four. Her political columns have appeared in The Australian since 2010. Niki’s book The Road To Ruin: How Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin destroyed their own government, won the 2017 best non-fiction book of the year by the Australian Book Industry Association.
This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop and books will be available for purchase on the evening in the Cultural Centre foyer. Pre-event book signings will be available from 5.30pm, and available again after the event until 7.30pm.
Robin's Room 