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Not for the Faint-Hearted: A Personal Reflection On Life, Politics and Purpose 1957-2007
In 2007, Kevin Rudd became only the third Labor prime minister since the Second World War, after Whitlam and Hawke, to win government from opposition. In doing so he also defeated, and unseated, John Howard, the longest-serving conservative prime minister since Menzies.So who was the man behind the phenomenal success of the Kevin07 campaign? This Mandarin-speaking professional diplomat, committed Christian and self-described policy wonk, who grew up as the son of a dairy farmer in rural Queensland to become the 26th prime minister of Australia?While journalists, the professional commentariat and Rudd's political foes have together felled forests writing about the 'real' Kevin Rudd, until now he has refused to provide any written response to his many critics. That changes with this volume, which takes us to his election as prime minister in 2007. This is the first time we hear from the man himself, in his own words, about what makes him tick.With a level of self-reflection, and a capacity for sending himself up that is rarely seen in political autobiography, Rudd chronicles a childhood shaped by the love of his mother and tragically disrupted by the death of his father when he was eleven - an event that left the family without a home or an income, and which would foster in him a visceral passion for social justice, and the foundations of his own political vision.He tells of his years as a budding China scholar, his many misadventures as a young diplomat in Stockholm and Beijing, his marriage to the remarkable Thérèse Rein and the centrality of his tight-knit family to both his private and public lives. He takes us through his years as Queensland's most powerful public servant during the days of the Goss government, and the soul-destroying moment of losing his first election to Federal Parliament in 1996, before finally prevailing through the maze of Labor factional politics to win his seat in 1998.Rudd's account of the next nine long years in Opposition lays bare the inner workings of our national politics, including the absurdities of the factional system, the essential nature of Australian conservatism, and the arrogance of the Howard government, culminating in Howard's two greatest the decision to take Australia to war in Iraq, and the introduction of WorkChoices. He also describes the monumental task of wresting office from a conservative prime minister who tried every trick in the book to hold on to power.Rudd also carefully chronicles the evolution of his own deepest beliefs, values and political convictions over many decades, long before his entry to Parliament. He describes his book as 'an essay in encouragement' for those considering a public life who are committed to changing the world for the many, not the few, but are uncertain if they have the stomach for it.This is an optimistic book, written with passion, conviction and insight. It is the first in a two-volume autobiography. It covers the unlikely rise of the 'boy from Eumundi' to the most powerful office in the land.
688 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
28 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 27, 2017
He's not the messiah, he's an angry, angry man.
January 2, 2018
As a traditonally non-Labor voter, I devoured this book in a few days -- regardless of politics, Rudd has set a new benchmark for the quality and depth of a political memoir/autobiography - both in his writing style, readability and general ability to tell a good story. I now excitedly await Part II.
January 9, 2019
This book was one of the most engaging books I have read, and not just because of the individual writing it or because the stories he is telling are wide and deep, his language and his writing style keep you on hook and you are never left wondering when will it all end.
Rudd’s voice arises from the words and tells a journey through a life facing challenges and adversities, but also making most of the opportunities he is given. While a riveting autobiography set on laying a legacy and rewriting parts of history Rudd never got the chance to speak out on, it is also a wonderful call to arms for the younger generation to be involved, deeply and passionately, with what they believe in.
In an age where cynicism in politics is the trend, Rudd appeals to optimism and argues that change is possible, with an impenetrable conviction of equality, and prosperity for all, and marrying the pragmatic with the ideal.
Rudd’s voice arises from the words and tells a journey through a life facing challenges and adversities, but also making most of the opportunities he is given. While a riveting autobiography set on laying a legacy and rewriting parts of history Rudd never got the chance to speak out on, it is also a wonderful call to arms for the younger generation to be involved, deeply and passionately, with what they believe in.
In an age where cynicism in politics is the trend, Rudd appeals to optimism and argues that change is possible, with an impenetrable conviction of equality, and prosperity for all, and marrying the pragmatic with the ideal.
December 20, 2017
When I heard that Kevin Rudd was releasing an autobiography, I was eager to get my hands on his tome, and he didn't disappoint with his memoirs. Rudd no doubt has had a questionable management style when in government (supported by various accounts in various political books) but he has no doubt accomplished a lot in his life - and just reading his book makes me feel like my life has been so insignificant.
From a young boy who grew up in a fairly simple rural property to becoming prime minister of Australia - he is really is the epitome of someone who has started from the bottom and made it up to the top. You really have to admire how hard he worked to get where he is and he certainly wasn't born with everything handed to him. It's also a great eye-opener in the fact that he had to work many menial jobs before getting to where he was which is not the same for many of us millenials who have probably have had only had to endure a few retail jobs whilst being supported by our parents (this may not be the same for everyone, of course).
His prose is very articulate and you can tell he is well read and knowledgeable about his subject matter, particularly in the areas of sinology and foreign affairs. Some of it does delve into more specific areas of Chinese history which can get a bit difficult to understand if you have never studied the history of the Middle Kingdom.
It certainly wouldn't be a political biography without some criticism of the opponent and Rudd doesn't disappoint. He is certainly critical of the Howard government and its decision to go to war in Iraq. In fact he dedicates a whole chapter to this. I was surprised at how he often travelled to more dangerous countries such as Afghanistan as part of his foreign affairs posts, considering the risks that these countries pose. He also reveals how ruthless the Howard government was in the lead up to the 2007 election with its media smear campaign towards Rudd and his family which is not surprising.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the Labor government or in politics in general. Unfortunately, his account only goes from 1957 to 2007, so those who are looking for his personal account on the leadership stoush will be sorely disappointed. I suppose we will have to wait for Volume II. However, The Killing Season is a good book to read for those who are interested in these matters.
From a young boy who grew up in a fairly simple rural property to becoming prime minister of Australia - he is really is the epitome of someone who has started from the bottom and made it up to the top. You really have to admire how hard he worked to get where he is and he certainly wasn't born with everything handed to him. It's also a great eye-opener in the fact that he had to work many menial jobs before getting to where he was which is not the same for many of us millenials who have probably have had only had to endure a few retail jobs whilst being supported by our parents (this may not be the same for everyone, of course).
His prose is very articulate and you can tell he is well read and knowledgeable about his subject matter, particularly in the areas of sinology and foreign affairs. Some of it does delve into more specific areas of Chinese history which can get a bit difficult to understand if you have never studied the history of the Middle Kingdom.
It certainly wouldn't be a political biography without some criticism of the opponent and Rudd doesn't disappoint. He is certainly critical of the Howard government and its decision to go to war in Iraq. In fact he dedicates a whole chapter to this. I was surprised at how he often travelled to more dangerous countries such as Afghanistan as part of his foreign affairs posts, considering the risks that these countries pose. He also reveals how ruthless the Howard government was in the lead up to the 2007 election with its media smear campaign towards Rudd and his family which is not surprising.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the Labor government or in politics in general. Unfortunately, his account only goes from 1957 to 2007, so those who are looking for his personal account on the leadership stoush will be sorely disappointed. I suppose we will have to wait for Volume II. However, The Killing Season is a good book to read for those who are interested in these matters.
February 25, 2018
Didn't finish...
Doesn't want to 'talk too much about religion'. Spends chapters on it.
Doesn't want to 'talk too much about religion'. Spends chapters on it.
January 10, 2021
Brysonesque writing style
February 18, 2024
he hates liberals and john howard hes a pastor political life seems like theres a lot of shaming and people betraying you which is weird he was a diplomat before a politican he saod something stop trying to be primeminister what impact do you want to make on the world and can you do it without being primeminister this is a good point his wife is a multi millionare he made a lot of money by being an expert on china and contracting for kpmg build expertise and the. people will find value and give you money for it
May 14, 2024
This was a mammoth read with over 600 pages of smallish font words. And this is only volume 1!! Some of it was fascinating and in some parts my eyes glazed over. I particularly liked his candidness on people such as Mark Latham, John Howard and the three Roosters! I was impressed by his genuine commitment to doing good for the country and his determination to not bow down to the union factions. I wonder why his party, including his deputy, turned on him. Overall it was good but you have to be prepared for some some monotonous sections.
December 4, 2024
This is one of the most personally inspirational and incredible stories I’ve ever read.
An amazing journey of a man who started out humbly in a poor family in rural Queensland and ended up being one of the most influential prime ministers of the 21st century.
This almost reads like a fantasy adventure with the incredibly fantastical and tough things Kevin Rudd did even before landing the prime ministership.
It covers all basis for his thought process, decisions, and covers much political history from the 1980’s onwards.
This one will stick with me.
Definitely give it a read!
An amazing journey of a man who started out humbly in a poor family in rural Queensland and ended up being one of the most influential prime ministers of the 21st century.
This almost reads like a fantasy adventure with the incredibly fantastical and tough things Kevin Rudd did even before landing the prime ministership.
It covers all basis for his thought process, decisions, and covers much political history from the 1980’s onwards.
This one will stick with me.
Definitely give it a read!
November 16, 2018
Excellent autobiography (part 1,) well written and a definite "page turner." Fascinating recent story of Kevin Rudd and history of Australian politics, detailing Rudd's rise to become PM of Australia. Awesome book and a must read alongside part 2!
November 22, 2018
The title of this book was obviously a warning to readers attempting to read every moment (it seemed) of Kevin Rudd's life up to when he was elected Prime Minister. For students of politics only and even they should be wary.
February 11, 2018
Not bad for an autobiography
March 13, 2022
A good read, a lot of score settling and I wouldn't recommend John Howard read it. Mr Howard might have a realization of his failures as a Prime Minister and general human being.
January 1, 2025
It is a book written with his honesty which is hard to find for politician. His options and experience are unique, but his struggle is universal
June 26, 2019
What a brilliant mind. Such a beautifully written memoir by an amazing Prime Minister. In such brief term Rudd introduced some amazing policy’s for the good of the many, not the few. Such a humble start to life he had. I wish people focused more on what a difference he made to greater society than on his personality flaws. There is something charming about Mr Rudd.
nf-tbr
December 5, 2017Interview with the author: http://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/o...
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews