Unfettered and Alive

"I was born into a world that expected very little of women like me. We were meant to tread lightly on the earth, influencing events through our husbands and children, if at all. We were meant to fade into invisibility as we aged. I defied all of these expectations and so have millions of women like me."

This is the compelling story of Anne Summers' extraordinary life. It's a story that has her travelling around the world as she moves from jobs in newspapers and magazines, advising prime ministers, and global leader of Greenpeace, all the while leading feminist debates and writing memorable and influential books. Anne has not been afraid to walk away from success and to satisfy her constant restlessness by charging down new and risky paths. Whatever position she has held, she has expanded what's possible and helped us see things differently - often at high personal cost.

Anne shares revealing stories about famous and powerful people she has worked with or reported on and is refreshingly frank about her own anxieties and mistakes. She shares a heartbreaking story of family violence and of the ultimate reconciliation with the father who had rejected her. Unfettered and Alive is a provocative and surprising memoir from someone who broke through so many boundaries to show what women can do.

"It's the story of a lot of things - Australian politics, feminism, journalism, international intrigue - but most of all it's the story of an utterly singular woman, who always says Yes to life even when it scares her. Her memory for the events, and her frankness about the fear, make this an extraordinary memoir." - Annabel Crabb

"Exhilarating and what storytelling!" - Quentin Bryce

"The compelling memoir of a magnificent woman." - David Marr