Wednesdays with Bob

by Bob Hawke, Derek Rielly

On Wednesdays, Robert J. Hawke - Australia's 23rd and oldest living prime minister - has welcomed Derek Rielly into his home to share fine cigars and irreverent conversation. On a sun-soaked balcony, the maverick young writer and the charismatic old master talk life, death, love, sex, religion, politics, sport ... and everything in between.

On other days, to paint his subject's enigma from the outside, Rielly interviews Hawke's Liberal MP rival John Howard, Labor allies Gareth Evans and Kim Beazley, wife and lover Blanche d'Alpuget, live-in stepson Louis Pratt, and friends - diplomat Richard Woolcott, economist Ross Garnaut, advertising guru John Singleton, and longtime mate Col Cunningham.

The result is an extraordinary portrait of a beloved Australian - a strange, funny, uniquely personal study of Bob Hawke ruminating on his (and our) past, present and future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, Australia, Audiobook, Memoir

312 pages, Hardcover

First published November 28, 2017

About the author

Robert James Lee Hawke, AC, GCL was an Australian politician who was the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia and the Leader of the Labor Party from 1983 to 1991. He is the longest-serving Labor Party Prime Minister. Hawke was born in South Australia but moved to Western Australia as a child. Wikipedia

Reviews

[Nick Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic Hawke yarns and classic Hawke ego.

[Matthew Hickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re wondering what more could be written about RJLH that hasn’t already been written (including by his wife on at least two occasions), this book suggests the answer is: not a great deal.

There are some interesting tidbits to be found here, the highlights of which for me include interviews with Kim Beazley, Gareth Evans, Ross Garnaut, John Howard and John Singleton. Similarly, Hawke’s own take on current events and reflections on history are interesting.

While, in the end, this book doesn’t really tell us anything about Hawke that we didn’t already know, it was an enjoyable read.

The portrait on the cover is outstanding.

[Keen Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published two years before the man’s death at 89, safe to say this isn’t exactly a highbrow or overly intellectual endeavour and it’s all the better for it. Libraries are stuffed with OTT, pompous, self-important rubbish and lies from egotistical leaders and bizarrely even those mega egos married to them get in on the act too.

Hawke was 86 and 87 when doing these interviews, and still very much had the larrikin about him. Many have called him the best leader Australia has ever had, some, who got a little too carried away even called him the greatest Australian ever, and John Howard went as far as to call him the best Labour prime minister the country has had.

No matter who thinks what, there are a few significant players in here from Hawke’s life and many of them produce some highly colourful and refreshingly honest opinions and accounts about the man and his work, which stops this from becoming an all out hagiography, something which cannot be said about his second wife’s second biography of him, which is openly shot down by someone within these very pages.

The tone of this can sometime be a bit too blokey, a little inconsistent and more than a little concerned with appearances, but either way this was still a light-hearted and even fun book and yet it’s well-written enough without being too dumbed down. I wonder what old Bob would make of that idiot Morrison and his Father’s Day lockdown breach?...

[Ben Glasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloody ripper yarns about an amazing old fella. Written with humour and just a little awe - thanks for writing.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of biographies about politicians can lead to the hagiographic, particularly about such a popular figure as Bob Hawke, whose main literary contributions have come via his wife. This book however is a very enjoyable read. Loses a star because of the 'obsession' early in the book (and in some of the latter sections) about the love affair with Blanche (perhaps it was a quid pro quo for access?), but it's worth persisting. Time might have eroded the memory of just how popular Hawkey was and it wasn't just because he was a man of the people. Clearly a hugely intelligent man and now a highly valued elder statesman. Best Prime Minister of my time? Loved Gough but Hawke's achievements do stand the test of time. Full marks to the author for interviewing figures so influential to Hawke's rise and rise (no Keating, but that's to be expected). Good 'get' with John Howard too, although saying he was the first to lose election and electorate since Stanley Baldwin was a bit of a clanger. Might be worth giving Stanley Melbourne Bruce his due in future editions. I'm with Matthew Hickey too in relation to the cover. Brilliant! Photos on the dust jacket are superb, but so too are the 'matches'.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A much lighter read than I had anticipated. An Interesting but brief overview of Hawkes career.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this so it's difficult to rate but it certainly gets stars for being entertaining.
It is highly entertaining when Hawkey acts the lovable rogue.
There is no doubt he was a great Prime Minister, he's stance on the environment and labour laws are exemplary. He also did pretty fantastic things with the economy along with Keating and Ross Garnaut.
He has some loyal friends, possibly because they are all rogues and all keep eachother's secrets.
He's a blokes, bloke and talks about the brotherhood of man. But also a product of his times and fairly atrocious in his personal relationships with women. Apparently mutually adored his last wife, who he had affairs with during his marriage to the much nationally beloved Hazel Hawke.
Blanche never really comes across well, much as she is accomplished in her writing, she seems a bit off the planet. For example, she admits to being groomed as a young teenager by a High Court Judge (friend of the family) but still seemed to have the view that it was an equal affair and seems oblivious to the power imbalance. Bit of a shame that she was included as much as she was in this because of the current climate and my current feminist reading, her last words completely distracted from Hawke's public legacy. Anyway I guess Hawke was made happy in his later life with her distractions.
Certainly a bloke of his times and did good things for the country overall.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

PSA: This book contains some really cringeworthy writing, some of which is also borderline sexist.

That aside, this is an otherwise absorbing look at the legacy of one of Australia’s greatest prime ministers and makes me long for the time when our politicians were somewhat principled and articulate (even though I was so young I barely remember it).

Also, the cover and inside portraiture are magnificent.

[Damian Eade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting listen

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I'm a Bob Hawke fan...who isn't it? I just need to say that because I carried a pro Bob attitude into the reading of this book. Really fascinating insight into one of Australia's great Prime Ministers. A true man of the people with the sharpest of minds and the biggest of hearts.

I liked the way the book was organised and loved hearing from some legendary politicians and Australian characters, both friend and foe of R.J. Hawke. One thing which everyone has for him is respect. The former Prime Minister is an old man now and not in the best of health, but as the author very clearly brought out during his series of interviews with Mr Hawke and other significant Australians, is that the man is still a fascinating and unique personality. Still sharp of mind, and energetic of spirit, if not necessarily body.

Shocking in places, just surprising in others, and also humourous, I recommend Wednesdays with Bob to everyone, but especially fans of politics.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was truly very surprisingly intrigued and captivated by this political memoir.
Many personal reflections, the crossing from Bob Hawkes responses to questions to the responses from various figures from his life who also sat down with the author and his list of questions.
Easy reading/listening. I got the sense of ageing lion of politics, a man of immense charisma still as he steps out on his final life stages.
Not at all dry like so many political memoirs and the author is very obviously totally under the spell of this character of a man, so often called Australias best Prime Minister
I got to anticipate and chuckle at the observations and descriptions of the dress of each person he interviewed at the start of each section. Added an unexpected and off centre thread to the book that followed through.
Definitely an interesting read

[Daniel Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wednesdays with Bob" by Bob Hawke and Derek Rielly is an absolute gem that effortlessly blends wit, wisdom, and a genuine sense of camaraderie. This book provides readers with a front-row seat to the incredible bond between the late, great Bob Hawke, former Australian Prime Minister, and co-author Derek Rielly. Their dynamic and humorous exchanges make for an engaging read that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons.

The book's format, based on their regular Wednesday meetings, offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the mind of a remarkable leader and a true-blue Aussie character. The anecdotes and stories shared by Hawke are not only historically significant but also laced with humor and humility. Rielly's narrative style complements Hawke's personality perfectly, creating a seamless flow that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.

One of the standout features of "Wednesdays with Bob" is its candid portrayal of Hawke's life experiences, ranging from political triumphs to personal challenges. The authors manage to strike a delicate balance, addressing serious issues with sincerity while infusing the narrative with a light-hearted touch. This authenticity is what sets the book apart, making it accessible to a diverse audience.

The witty banter between Hawke and Rielly is a joy to behold, showcasing a friendship that transcends the generational gap. Through their conversations, readers are treated to a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in the face of adversity. The book resonates with warmth and humanity, reminding us that even the most influential figures are, at their core, human beings with relatable experiences.

"Wednesdays with Bob" is not just a memoir; it's an uplifting journey that leaves readers inspired and reflective. The book successfully captures the essence of Bob Hawke's charismatic personality, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Australian politics, leadership, or simply a good, heartwarming story. In the end, it's not just about Wednesdays with Bob; it's about the timeless lessons and laughter that linger long after the last page is turned.

[Karen Downes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was thoroughly enjoying this book about an absolute giant of Australian and Labor/labour history. My own political views were informed by my parents, the legacy of Gough Whitlam and especially Bob Hawke, who was Prime Minister during and after my teenage years, when i really became politically aware and formed beliefs and views that have defined me ever since.

The interviews with the man himself and with his colleagues and peers (including those directly opposed) were insightful and well edited - written so shortly before his death it was lovely to find that, except physically, 'age had not wearied him, nor the years condemned. His passion and energy never dimmed.

Then i got to a chapter titled "Blanche". What a sh1tshow of a binfire that chapter is. It demeans and reduces the entire book, and especially the author. In spite of initially (much earlier in the book) pointing out that Blanche D'Alpuget was and still is a successful and accomplished author, she is painted in this chapter (and, on reflection, throughout the book) as some kind of femme fatale who has stepped straight out of the pages of Dashiell Hamett or Raymond Chandler. Rielly even refers to her (more than once, and also to other women that Hawke has "affairs" with) as a 'gal'. Dear god.

Hazel Hawke, who by spending so much of her life raising their children and holding her family together, supported, enabled and allowed her husband to be the incredible agent of change and shaper of Australian society that we are all able to now take for granted, is not even one-dimensional in this account. She is referred to only in relation to Blanche.

I recommend reading this book, but only for the conversations with the man himself and for the interviews with those who perhaps knew him best. Stop reading after Chapter 19 - the rest of the book is titillation and soap opera not even worthy of the worst Murdoch tabloid.

[Jonathan Corfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Hawke died recently.
He was quite an interesting bloke.
He was the son of ardent Christians who made him promise never to touch alcohol yet a Guinness world record holder for downing half a yard of beer in 11 seconds. A man who was made Victorian 'Father of the Year' in 1971 but who almost lost his daughter to a heroin habit and had a passionate affair with the woman who was his biographer and eventually his second wife. A larrikin sportsman, a ladies man, an average Aussie bloke but a deep thinker, a humanist, a Rhodes Scholar. The book starts with him urinating off his own deck just as his interviewer is settling down to ask him some questions and yet the answers to the questions are rich, complex and show empathy and understanding of the world around him.
Bob Hawke was a shameless self-promoter but also a compelling individual with a sound and grounded world view. He was knifed by his own party despite his enormous popularity but his legacy is of a Prime Minister that overhauled the Australian economy and led Australia internationally as a dependable statesman.
He is lionised in this book and it comes across as being somewhat obsequious and riddled with macho hero worship, but, given the quality of the leaders of Australia since, maybe it is justified?
The man wasn't perfect but you've got to hand it to him, he did things his way (until he was knifed by Paul Keating of course).

I liked John Clarke's poem about Bob Hawke done in the style of AA Milne:

Rob, Rob, Bobbity, Bobbity, James Lee Hawke MP,
Took great care of his image, because he was quick to see;
That if you're photograph's taken with blokes whose boats do well on the sea;
Millions of voters will fail to notice those blokes will be charging a fee.

I would be keen for Doug Donelan's thoughts on this.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read and I'm not a big political biography reader, mainly because they tend to be so in-depth that I get lost and lose interest as I can find them quite overwhelming. This however was fantastic as it was a broad overview of his time in office as well as his pre and post office achievements and endeavors.

As most Australians, I knew that Hawke was one of our most loved and popular PM's, but my knowledge didn't go much further than that seeing as he did occupy office from 83-91; I was only born in 87, therefore my understanding was limited. But this book did give me an understanding of how much he has shaped the Australia of today thanks to the many implemented policies during his time as Australian PM and also how much work he still undertakes with International Relations. A very determined and smart man who in most respects has always remained true to his beliefs.

[Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on the basis of the fact that I liked Rielly's previous work on David Dalaithngu (Gulpilili, as he was known before his passing in 2021) and had enjoyed that.

This book, compared to Blache D'Alpugate's Complete Biography on Bob Hawke is a more intimate and personal portrait on what many Australian's consider to be one of the greatest PM's this nation has seen and would probably be the book I reccomend to people to read as its something lighter and jovial.

My only issue is that Rielly didn't interview more members of the opposition or Hawke's children from his first marriage to Hazel, but I also suspect that he did not have access to these sources rather than not seeking them out in the first place.

The writing is simple, but effective and very easy to digest in the long term and is a book that would make many dads and granddads stoked to read.

[Meghan B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good political biography and have read most of the available bios of Bob Hawke, for my studies. As much as I love the genre I find often that they take a long time to get through and can drift back and forth between fascinating, and dry. Not this book - a really warm and personable account of Hawke's career, successes and later life through his own eyes and the eyes of his friends and colleagues. A wonderful collection of interviews including some less expected, such as John Howard. The writer is a massive Hawke fan and doesn't bother to hide it, which I didn't mind at all. I also enjoyed that this book told the love story of Bob and Blanche. Could have easily read it in one sitting if not for that pesky work thing, but as it was I whipped through it in a week.

[Nathan Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new in terms of Hawke’s life but the insights offered by colleagues and former sparring partners were interesting. I would like to have seen many of the anecdotes explored further and was left feeling that a fair level of censorship had been applied to the final manuscript. I felt that there was certainly a desire to control the narrative as the sun sets on a remarkable Australian politician.

[Matt Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction on Hawke if you don't know too much about him, I would say that if you had read anything else on Hawke this could get very tedious as a lot of the Keating v Hawke issues are brought up again and again, and I doubt there is anything new here on that front. However, it includes a lot of interviews with others (including Ross Garnaut, Kim Beazley and Gareth Evans) that knew and worked closely with Hawke over the years and this gives the book a bit more depth.

[Jim Rimmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a passage toward the end of this book where Rielly asks whether Hawke ever reflects on the what-ifs?
"That's life," he says. "If your aunt had balls she'd be your uncle."

In a peculiar way his throw away line says volumes about one of the most impactful politicians in Australian history.

[Lisa Tait · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was entertaining until Derek, the surfing writer, regaled us with tales of Blanche's lipstick brand , called her a "broad" & then laughed along when she regaled him with a tale of being molested at age 12 by a neighbour in his 40s. There were weird references to Botox and plastic surgery too. Derek we don't care. Hilarious it is not. Sexist and offensive.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read, good chats with some of the characters from Hawke’s life. But it was ego serving; for Hawke and the author and some of the interactions were clumsy and awkward. Not a political writer and it showed; it made up for it as an admirer getting to chat to and about an important figure for Australia.

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into many aspects of Bob Hawke through interviews with himself and many other notable and important people. While largely pro-Hawke as you would expect from a self-confessed fan of an author an interviewer, I think it was fairly even handed and tried to get to the truth on key issues. Well told by Jim Daly as an audio book, the subtle changes of accent and style work well.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the insights into this brilliant and flawed old man. I wanted to give it 3.5 stars - the book is a bit scrappy. I will definitely visit the Hawke brewery. I hoped more would be made of Hawke's great action in stopping the Gordon Below Franklin dam in 1982. John Howard came off way too well.

[Brad Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant piece of writing which I was lucky enough to appreciate. Hawke will go down as one of the greatest Australian leaders and this publication adds a little more to the legend that is our Bob.

[Daniel Puls-Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this wise memoir in three days (audiobook)

The stories and insights from one of Australia’s greatest loved prime ministers are captured beautifully in the first person, from the perspective of the author interviewing Bob.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, a bit blokey, and at times incomprehensible to anyone born after Hawke’s premiership (another reminder that nearly every journalist in Australia is Gen X or older). But a cracking set of interviews and an easy read.

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing + engaging subject = fabulous read.

[Heidi Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply brilliant, I enjoyed it immensely. A beautiful summer read about an Australian icon, to be enjoyed regardless of your political views.

[Peter Langston · Rating 3 out of 5]

My opinion hasn't changed. Wonderful leader, lousy bloke. The many in which Hazel Hawke is glossed over is disgusting.