Thanks Margo for a book that both captivated and infuriated me at the same time. My family fought over who would read NHJ as soon as I'd finished it, so I'm reviewing it without the book in front of me.

The contrast of Menzies and Howard alerted me to a subtle theme of role models running through the book - probably unintended. When Senator Harradine removed his shoes to dance with the native title claimants (was it the Wik people? [Yep - NHJ!] ) he was emulating another who associated with outcasts and 'sinners'. Pity Tony Abbott can't seem to manage the same.

I do think you see Menzies through rose-coloured glasses, quoting his fine words, rather than judging his actions. Trying to make the Communist Party unconstitutional was one of the most undemocratic actions imaginable. That Howard is not a true conservative is clear though.