Australia

In the year of the Sydney Olympics it is hardly surprising that publishers are releasing books about the host country. Knightley's boigraphy takes us on an exploration of Australia, past and present, weaving historical facts with the intimacy of personal stories. He gives the reader an insight into how this young country, with a track record of appalling race discrimination and human rights abuses, has begun to redress past wrongs and turn itself into a working multi-cultural society. Focus is placed on the (now declining) relationship with Great Britain and clearly defines the differences between Australian and British attitudes to life. The book's first chapter moves from dusk to dawn in an Australian day with extraordinary 'real life' stories and fascinating facts. The book then plots the history from the first white settlers to today's 'fair dinkum' Aussie dude. Initial confrontations between Catholics and Protestants are examined, through the world wars, the depression, the threat of Communism and Australia's relationships with Asia, America and the UK. The mistreatment of the Aboriginals and their place in Australian history is covered with attention placed on the present-day attempts to redress the balance with the Native Title Bill and its subsequent problems. Beyond the historical, this book also attempts to explain the nature and personality of the modern day Australian. Knightley writes in a thrilling and exciting style whilst presenting the reader with his perspective on the country. He gives a precise account of the political climate and resulting social changes and as the title suggests, personifies the nation, depicting its struggle to find its own identity. (Kirkus UK)