My Country

My Country examines Australia's major political and cultural battles through essays written over David Marr's decades-long career as a journalist. The book collects writings on prime ministers, artists, high court judges and social movements that shaped modern Australia. Marr's reporting covers watershed moments including the Whitlam dismissal, the rise of Pauline Hanson, the Tampa crisis, and battles over censorship. The essays highlight key figures who impacted Australian life, from Patrick White to George Pell, as well as broader shifts in the nation's identity and values. Through interviews and investigations spanning 1973-2020, Marr chronicles disputes over immigration, Indigenous rights, religious power and artistic freedom. At its core, this is a book about how Australians see themselves and their place in the world. The collected works trace the evolution of a national identity through periods of dramatic social change.

Readers found this collection of Marr's writing to be detailed in examining Australian politics and social issues, though some noted it can be dense for casual readers. Readers appreciated: - Deep research into political figures and events - Clear explanations of complex policy decisions - Engaging writing style on public institutions - Thorough coverage of Australian cultural changes Common criticisms: - Academic tone can be challenging - Some essays feel dated - Focus on insider politics over broader social themes - Assumes prior knowledge of Australian political history Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon AU: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Specific reader comments: "Marr cuts through political spin with surgical precision" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much focus on Canberra bubble politics" - Amazon reviewer "Captures key moments in Australia's recent political evolution" - Library reviewer

The Lucky Country by Donald Horne A critical examination of Australian society, politics, and national identity during the 1960s through direct observation and historical context.

Fear and Politics by Carmen Lawrence An investigation into the relationship between political power and public fear in contemporary Australian democracy.

Recollections of a Bleeding Heart by Don Watson A first-hand account of Paul Keating's prime ministership and the inner workings of Australian political leadership from his speechwriter's perspective.

The Australian Moment by George Megalogenis An analysis of Australia's economic and political evolution through major global crises from the 1970s to the present.

Faction Man by David Marr A detailed study of Bill Shorten's rise through union politics and the Labor Party to national leadership that reveals the mechanics of power in Australian politics.

🔷 David Marr has written extensively about censorship in Australia, and "My Country" builds on his decades of work examining how Australian society grapples with freedom of expression 🔷 The book was published in 2018 during a period of significant national debate about same-sex marriage in Australia, which Marr addresses as part of his examination of modern Australian identity 🔷 As one of Australia's most celebrated journalists, Marr has won five Walkley Awards (Australia's highest journalism honor) for his investigative reporting and commentary 🔷 The collection of essays in "My Country" spans 20 years of Marr's writing, offering a unique perspective on how Australian politics and culture have evolved from the late 1990s through the 2010s 🔷 Prior to becoming a writer, Marr practiced law and worked as a legal affairs journalist, giving him particular insight into the legal aspects of the social issues he explores in the book