This is an extraordinary in-depth look at one of Australia’s most important policy shapers. Keating was not served well by some sections of the media which tended to portray him as elitist with arcane interest in antiques- this portrait shows the depth of his understanding of the workings of the national economy and how that leads to social cohesiveness, and the lasting legacy of his economic reforms. Written by Kerry O’Brien, who had unlimited and intimate access over a period of some time.
Hyeonseo Lee escaped from North Korea into China when she was just 17- except she didn’t realise she couldn’t go back and that it would be years before she saw her family again. Her story is a roller coaster of joys and terror and is a testament to her immense survival skills. She preferred not to read for Narratives as she feared her English reading skills would let her down, so instead she relates the importance of her opening chapter to illustrate to western ears just what living in the regime meant on a daily basis. Her memoir is a real life thriller.
Episode thirteen: Tex Perkins – ‘Tex’ , and Mark Holden- ‘My Idol Years’
To day we hear from Tex Perkins reading, under slight duress on a hot day at a Byron Writers Festival, from his book entitled simply ‘Tex’, in which he reveals he was never dismayed that he wasn’t taken seriously as a musician, he never wanted to be serious as a musician – and Mark Holden reads from ‘ My Idol Years’ about one of the highlights of his career, singing with the Temptations.
Featured music tracks : ‘How Good is Life’ & ‘One step ahead of the Blues ‘ by Tex, Don and Charlie .
