Book review by FOOLS Group
Twenty one years ago, 3rd August 2005, on a stunningly beautiful cold winter’s day I was assisting family members dismantle a lifetime’s accumulation belonging to 101 year old Grandad.
On the journey to Sydney, listening to the radio, we learnt that Bob Carr – NSW premier forever – was resigning. Though not rusted on to state politics, I felt a pang of regret, as he stood out as being honest and a lover of the arts, rare things in politics.
In this book, written about the sudden death of his life companion, Helena, he is so open about his journey so far, that one cannot help but jump aboard to travel along with him. The desire to comfort or mend him is strong. It’s a difficult subject in which to articulate and convey feelings, deep and painful, to the stranger reading your words.
The book starts with Helena’s shocking sudden death in Vienna, leaving Bob stranded, not only in Vienna but forever. He is alone in a foreign country, has to make decisions, contact family and friends, and generally hold things together.
This was hard to read – who would want to be in this nightmare situation?
Subsequent chapters introduce the reader to Helena and Bob’s story – their young selves, their 50 year marriage and their interests. As you can imagine, there is plenty of stories about politics, an important part of their life together. The book, along with the great anecdotes, follows Bob Carr’s rollercoaster emotional trek over the last 3 years, since Helena’s death. He is open about his feelings. For the author, I think, writing this
book was cathartic, as well as a wonderful public gift to his and Helena’s life together.
A truth is that no one ever really knows someone until you live with them, for years. The author succeeds in his attempt to convey his big and long life with Helena, their love and friendship. It leaves the reader caring deeply about this man’s emotional future and wishing him well.
By Lyndle Hawkes
