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Penny Wong, Passion and Principle
by
Margaret Simons
4.09 · Rating details · 173 ratings · 25 reviews
A revelatory portrait of one of the most talented, poised and respected women in Australian politics, written by one of Australia’s foremost biographers.
Senator Penny Wong is an extraordinary Australian politician. Resolute, self-possessed and a penetrating thinker on subjects from workplace relations to foreign affairs, she is admired by members of parliament and the public from across the political divide.
In this first-ever biography of Penny Wong, acclaimed journalist Margaret Simons traces her story: from her early life in Malaysia, to her student activism in Adelaide, to her entry into the male-dominated chambers of federal parliament, to her leading role as a voice of reason and respect in the polarising campaign to legalise same-sex marriage – and to her current position, poised to become Australia’s future minister for foreign affairs. What emerges is a picture of a leader for modern Australia, a cool-headed, cautious, yet charismatic figure of piercing intelligence and a personal history linking back to Australia’s colonial settlers and through to its multicultural present.
Drawing on exclusive interviews with Penny Wong, and her Labor colleagues, parliamentary opponents, close friends and family, this scintillating portrait of an Australian politician without precedence promises to be one of the most talked-about political biographies of the year. (less)
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Paperback, 320 pages
Published October 2019 by Black Inc. (first published 2019)
Original Title
Penny Wong, Passion and Principle
ISBN
1760640859 (ISBN13: 9781760640859)
Edition Language
English
URL
https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/penny-wong
Other Editions (1)
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Oct 09, 2019Stuart Hodge rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Fascinating and forensic biography of an interesting political figure. Simons has done the hard work and it shows, and she never gives into the obvious narrative- like any good biographer she has a critical eye on her subject. Highly recommended
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Oct 07, 2019Cynthia Grove rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is a stunning book brilliantly written by Margaret Simons. It is both biography (though in a minor way) and an exploration and analysis of Australian politics with Senator Wong as the connecting figure.
The text neither glorifies nor demonises Senator Wong, rather it shows her as a strong, intelligent woman working in a tough environment. It doesn't spare her weaknesses. Ms Simons eschews emotive terms and provides verifiable and referenced material. (less)
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Jan 10, 2021Thamilini rated it really liked it
I’m giving this book a four because Penny Wong‘s life is amazing and I’m glad that I could read about it. I found it very inspiring and relatable. The writing style of the author is very easy to read but I focused more on the facts than her analysis/opinions as I found it to be superficial and lacking in nuance.
For the style and writing of the book, I would give it three stars.
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Apr 23, 2020Zahraa rated it it was amazing
I’ll be honest, when I first received this book as a gift I wasn’t too keen on reading it. Mostly because I didn’t think politicians were interesting or honest. My friend had gifted it to me because she thought I could relate to someone who initially wanted to go into medicine but decided on following her passion and going into law/politics instead.
The book only speaks briefly about that transition, it is by far one of the most minor aspects of it. Reading about Penny Wong’s first experiences of racism - you’d know, without a doubt, that her going into politics wasn’t really a transition, it was more of an inevitable thing.
One of the most admirable things about Wong is her composure but also her ability to give into her emotions. It seems to be a well-known characteristic about her amongst her colleagues and friends, and something that demands a lot of respect. It was so inspiring to read about.
Also, I will be looking at the counter-factual from now on.
A great read. (less)
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Nov 21, 2019Lisa rated it it was amazing
Shelves: c21st, australia, biography, library-book-or-loan, current-affairs
I'm not one of those who dismiss all politicians as self-serving and a waste of space. I've met too many who genuinely wanted to change things for the better, even if I didn't agree with their choices and/or they didn't always achieve their ambitions. But I'm also not one of the 'Penny Wong fan club' or her 235,000 followers on Twitter. I just think she's one of the most interesting politicians we have, and when one of the best journalists we have in this country— Margaret Simons— writes her biography, I want to read it.
Simons bookends the bio with Penny Wong's lack of enthusiasm for its existence. She did not want the book written, though she eventually reluctantly agreed to interviews. Famously circumspect, Wong insisted that her personal life remain private, and consistent with her public persona, though she was willing to own her mistakes and errors of judgement, she also refused point-blank to discuss issues such as the destructive leadership debacle or to reveal any cabinet discussions. Simons had to rely on others to learn that amongst Wong's less well-known political attributes, she has consistently been an astute judge of her leaders, both in terms of their character and their capacity to attract the vote. Simons is even-handed, using multiple sources to unpack the betrayals, but reading between the lines, it's clear that Wong values loyalty and stability. Because that's how you stay in government, and then you can get things done.
Despite these access limitations, Simons has written an immensely readable book, in the notoriously difficult genre of political biography. And in the process, despite herself, Wong came to believe that the book might have some benefits...
Not so much the obvious thing
— a high-profile gay person as a role model for others, and 'that meaning something to vulnerable people
Simons suggested that as the book came into being, she herself
... had come to think of it as being about politics itself: how hard it is, the price that is paid in the struggle to make change, and both the necessity and inevitability of compromise, even when — as with climate change — such compromise may do us in.
Simons likens it to an audience responding to a tragic play leaving the theatre with a greater understanding of the human affairs it depicted.
Perhaps they might also grasp the humanity behind the headlines — and what it meant for a person of talent, passion and principle to devote herself to delivering the service of political representation.
Wong concedes that maybe a book about her career is just a small way in which we can have that discussion about what we hope for and expect of political representatives and the polity, and what we can do better.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/11/21/p...
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Dec 07, 2019Lydia rated it it was amazing
Penny Wong is a formidable woman, a notable politician, and an inspiring Australian. Wong has had an outstanding political career, and has risen the ranks with her passion, perseverance and sheer grit.
In this first ever biography of Penny Wong, the award winning journalist Margaret Simons has created an extraordinary book. A snapshot into the intensely private Penny Wong through a series of interviews with Wong and those around her.
The book, has a remarkable balance of snapshots of from both personal and public life.
From her early life in Malaysia, through to her early political passions at university, all the way through the political policies, and portfolios of many years in office.
To navigating family struggles and grief, relationships, children, racism and public views on one’s sexuality.
This book is inspiring and challenging, a curiously delightful glimpse into the enigma that is Penny Wong. (less)
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Oct 20, 2019Harinder rated it it was ok
Wong is a great and interesting subject for a biography. But I think this one is a bit too early in her career. We really don’t get a lot about what makes her tick - testament to her reticence in sharing too much about herself (which gets referenced frequently). I think Simons has done a good job with limited material but the biography of Penny Wong that I want to read will probably be written in about 30 years time.
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Dec 30, 2019Benjamin Farr rated it liked it
Shelves: 2019, australian-politics
3½ stars
I'm in two minds about this book. One one hand Margaret Simons has written a well-researched, timely overview of Penny Wong's political life. On the other hand you have a reluctant subject who has deep antipathy toward the creation of this biography.
Although a riveting read, Wong's reluctance toward this book permeates throughout the narrative and at times makes for uncomfortable reading.
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May 15, 2020Eyla rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: 2020-reads
3.75 **
My mum introduced me to Penny Wong on one of the biggest days of my life. On the day the result of 61% was announced, I was huddled in an English classroom with the countdown on the screen. The entire class cheered as the results were announced, quite a few of the students being LGBT, myself included. My mum showed me the famous images of Penny Wong later that night, she had been a big fan of hers for a while by then. I had not been in politics enough to know of her.
I delved into an interest in politics, a shallow one but one nonetheless. But the more I learn and see, my admiration for Penny Wong continues to grow. I understand the significance of a woman of colour and a lesbian woman being 'in the room' and I admire her political prowess. Her ability to compromise is not one I share yet, but I understand the necessity.
This biography was a great insight into Australian politics and the way that Wong worked and handled her portfolios. While it was a slow read, it was a good one with chapters that I surprisingly flew through. It was a shame that the book was written against the wishes of Penny and Sophie though, it really did make the read a bit of discomfort. But I am grateful that I got the chance to read it, it's given me a bit of an insight that's changed a few perspectives of mine that I was stuck on, and it's an eternal inspiration to see a woman like her in parliament. God knows I don't want to enter politics myself, but it's amazing to see someone fight so hard for her rights, my rights and the rights of all LGBTQ+ peoples. This is a bit of a mess of a review, but I really did find the book an interesting read. Gods I don't even know how to rate it though. (less)
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Jan 16, 2020Carmel rated it it was amazing
Shelves: australian, biography, non-fiction, politics, favorites
I hadn’t expected to like this book as much as I did. Most politicians seem to be either pragmatic or principled - this biography would lead me to believe that Penny Wong is one of those rare individuals who can be both. I appreciated how the author detailed Penny’s view that issues such as climate change are non binary and her commitment to a collectivist approach to politics. I’ve always had a soft soft for Penny Wong but have an even greater appreciation for her now. This is an extremely well researched and well written text and I recommend it to anyone interested in Australian politics and the major issues of the last 20 years. (less)
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Jun 14, 2020Anthony O'Connor rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
An honest politician!
A thorough, very detailed and well written biography of Penny Wong, an Australian Labour Party senator and currently leader of the opposition in the Senate. I was impressed by the quality of the writing but even more so by the person being described. Principled, intelligent, hard working, honest. Duly pragmatic on occasion. Not qualities Australians usually ascribe to politicians, fairly or not. But read the detailed account of her life and work and decide for yourself. If I ever move to South Australia I’ll start voting for her for sure. Assuming the book is a true account. Easily checked at least partially. (less)
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Dec 19, 2020Michelle rated it it was ok
DNF. This is really niche reading. I am interested in PW as we share a similar racial background and I am always fascinated to watch how she speaks. I really wanted to know more. The book lost me about 1/5th of the way in. I'm interested in politics, but this really goes into the nuts and bolts in an obsessive minutiae. I just got bored. I know PW is intensely private and I get it. But I just wanted more intimacy. The book just holds you at arms length. It might be for you, it just wasn't for me. (less)
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Nov 16, 2019Rosie Hunt rated it really liked it
A very interesting insight into Penny Wong’s life and career. It’s written in a formal, journalistic style and sometimes goes into a little more detail than I thought necessary - but tells an engaging story nonetheless. One of the most revealing parts of the book is the story behind it - that Wong really didn’t want it to be written. She eventually came around to giving interviews, and no doubt the book is much stronger for it.
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Jan 21, 2020Jeannie rated it liked it
A bit dry, probably primarily because Penny Wong is so private and initially didn't cooperate.
Nevertheless it's an interesting political narrative, which in many ways holds up a mirror to contemporary Australian society - and much of what one sees is not attractive: for example it's very sad that a senator attracts schoolboy-style abuse in public. (less)
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Dec 25, 2020Maha rated it it was amazing
A fascinating career. I have hopes she will be PM one day, but I understand why she might not. No doubt, she will make an exceptionally brilliant Foreign Minister.
If you’re interested in the machinations of Australian politics, this provides an essential piece of the puzzle. What a remarkable woman.
I’m just sorry it took me so long to finish, what with all my other study commitments.
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Top reviews from Australia
Frank Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars A rounded picture in spite of limited access...
Reviewed in Australia on 29 October 2019
Verified Purchase
Margaret Simons admits to limited access to Penny Wong and yet provides the reader with a very rounded and satisfying picture of a highly principled and intelligent person, by a close analysis of her political achievements. An absorbing read.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars This book has given me an appreciative insight into one important politician.
Reviewed in Australia on 19 November 2019
Verified Purchase
I'm a listener and watcher of Australian politics and in particular appreciate Penny's Wong comments, thoughts etc., in her position as shadow minister for Foreign Minister and leader of the opposition in the Senate.
This book has given me an insight to this lady, her achievements and her foibles. A willingness to stand up and be counted. A caring person, not only for her family, but for us all.
This is another book I shall reread in a few months. BJD
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Lyn L
4.0 out of 5 stars A look into Penny Wong career and family.
Reviewed in Australia on 3 November 2020
Verified Purchase
An interesting account of Penny Wong. I hope she does very well in politics should she stay. She balances tough political life with loving family member. Aussie politics is a hard career for women. It is with great admiration I see their struggles. Natasha Stott Despoja is another I would have liked to stay in government. I was impressed with the biography, not taking a dig for dirt style. I would recommend this biography.
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