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Quentin Bryce: The Authorised Biography
This audiobook features an exclusive preface written and narrated by Dame Quentin Bryce.
When Quentin Bryce was sworn in as Australia's first female governor-general in 2008, she made history. It was one of many firsts in a trailblazing career dedicated to reform and serving community.
Her early childhood in a western Queensland bush town shaped her sense of self and her destiny. Young Quentin dreamed of changing the world and then set out to do it. She was the first from her school to go to university and among the first women admitted to the Queensland Bar. In revolutionary times her advocacy for human rights - especially for women, children and Indigenous Australians - underpinned her every role, which included teaching in the male-dominated university law faculty, federal sex discrimination commissioner, CEO of the National Childcare Accreditation Council, principal of Sydney's Women's College, governor of Queensland and Australia's governor-general.
This biography traces the triumphs and the barriers as Quentin shattered glass ceilings and reveals the woman behind the high offices she held. Mother of five and grandmother to twelve, it is her partnership with soulmate Michael Bryce and the love of family, enduring friendships and belief in community that have sustained her. Her passion for the arts and elemental connection to Australia's ancient landscape feed her soul.
Fascinating, candid and insightful, Quentin The Authorised Biography tells the remarkable story of one of Australia's most impactful changemakers.
When Quentin Bryce was sworn in as Australia's first female governor-general in 2008, she made history. It was one of many firsts in a trailblazing career dedicated to reform and serving community.
Her early childhood in a western Queensland bush town shaped her sense of self and her destiny. Young Quentin dreamed of changing the world and then set out to do it. She was the first from her school to go to university and among the first women admitted to the Queensland Bar. In revolutionary times her advocacy for human rights - especially for women, children and Indigenous Australians - underpinned her every role, which included teaching in the male-dominated university law faculty, federal sex discrimination commissioner, CEO of the National Childcare Accreditation Council, principal of Sydney's Women's College, governor of Queensland and Australia's governor-general.
This biography traces the triumphs and the barriers as Quentin shattered glass ceilings and reveals the woman behind the high offices she held. Mother of five and grandmother to twelve, it is her partnership with soulmate Michael Bryce and the love of family, enduring friendships and belief in community that have sustained her. Her passion for the arts and elemental connection to Australia's ancient landscape feed her soul.
Fascinating, candid and insightful, Quentin The Authorised Biography tells the remarkable story of one of Australia's most impactful changemakers.
Audible Audio
Published October 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 26, 2025
As a long time admirer of Quentin Bryce i was keen to read this biography. I feel that she was an exemplary governor general so it was interesting to read about her life and influences. This biography is exhaustive and very thoroughly researched. When I started reading it I felt it was a bit too much hagiography but as I continued, I found this less of an issue. It was deeply moving to learn about her marriage. Quentin is an outstanding woman, and her husband was a wonderful life partner.
February 26, 2026
Love Quentin Bryce! This biography... not so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
A wonderful read about a wonderful woman
Thank you for your finely crafted tribute to Dame Quentin Bryce, allowing us to enter her elegant world with the candour and discretion she and her family epitomise. I would have like to linger longer.
Thank you for your finely crafted tribute to Dame Quentin Bryce, allowing us to enter her elegant world with the candour and discretion she and her family epitomise. I would have like to linger longer.
January 6, 2026
I listened to the audiobook version of this biography and, while I appreciated the content, I did struggle at times to connect with the narrator, who was also the author, Juliet Rieden.
That said, Quentin Bryce’s life is nothing short of phenomenal. She has lived many lifetimes within one, and her story is both inspiring and thought-provoking. I particularly enjoyed learning about her family history, her early family life, her travels, and her time living in London. These sections gave wonderful insight into the experiences that shaped her values and determination.
Her husband, Michael, stood out as her greatest supporter. Being forced into early retirement so Quentin could undertake the role of Governor-General was no small sacrifice, and his unwavering support was deeply moving. That Quentin achieved so much while raising five children is remarkable, especially given the relentless barriers, criticism, and resistance she faced simply because she was a woman. Yet she persevered, meeting every challenge with dignity and poise, fighting for everything she achieved with quiet strength and grace.
The biography is also rich with quotes that stayed with me. Her father’s advice — “Be brief, be businesslike, be gone!” — was wonderfully practical. Quentin herself was fond of saying, “You can have it all, just not all at once,” a sentiment that feels particularly relevant. At the end of the book, after the death of her beloved husband Michael, she referenced a quote often used by the Queen: “Grief is the price we pay for love.” It was a powerful and fitting way to express her loss.
Quentin Bryce is the epitome of what can be achieved when you refuse to let obstacles stand in your way and commit to working hard for what you want — all while carrying yourself with dignity. Her story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the impact one determined woman can have.
That said, Quentin Bryce’s life is nothing short of phenomenal. She has lived many lifetimes within one, and her story is both inspiring and thought-provoking. I particularly enjoyed learning about her family history, her early family life, her travels, and her time living in London. These sections gave wonderful insight into the experiences that shaped her values and determination.
Her husband, Michael, stood out as her greatest supporter. Being forced into early retirement so Quentin could undertake the role of Governor-General was no small sacrifice, and his unwavering support was deeply moving. That Quentin achieved so much while raising five children is remarkable, especially given the relentless barriers, criticism, and resistance she faced simply because she was a woman. Yet she persevered, meeting every challenge with dignity and poise, fighting for everything she achieved with quiet strength and grace.
The biography is also rich with quotes that stayed with me. Her father’s advice — “Be brief, be businesslike, be gone!” — was wonderfully practical. Quentin herself was fond of saying, “You can have it all, just not all at once,” a sentiment that feels particularly relevant. At the end of the book, after the death of her beloved husband Michael, she referenced a quote often used by the Queen: “Grief is the price we pay for love.” It was a powerful and fitting way to express her loss.
Quentin Bryce is the epitome of what can be achieved when you refuse to let obstacles stand in your way and commit to working hard for what you want — all while carrying yourself with dignity. Her story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the impact one determined woman can have.
January 4, 2026
What a truly remarkable memoir of a most awe inspiring woman. Juliette Reiden offers us an in-depth, behind the scenes view of Dame Quentin Bryce’s amazingly robust life! A humbling read which reminds you of the courage it takes to be the ‘first’ and the lasting legacies Quentin (and Michael) have left for equality, justice and showcasing the best of humanity. I found this biography inspiring and offer much gratitude for the tenacity of not only Quentin but to all her loved ones and supporters. Our world is a better place because of you. Thank you.
November 6, 2025
Insightful, inspirational and deeply personal account of an Australian trailblazer.
December 26, 2025
An interesting life!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews