Word On Books
with Jeremy Fenton
The Boy from Boree Creek
By Peter Rees
Published by Allen & Unwin
 When National Party leader (and Deputy Prime Minister) Tim Fischer announced his retirement from the Federal politics in June, 1999, the media and both sides of politics rushed in their enthusiasm to laud the politician with the trademark hat and an 'unusual' use of the English language.
For many, Fischer will be remembered for pushing the barrow of economic rationalism just a little too far in rural Australia, or, alternatively, for that "bucketfuls of extinguishment" statement on Wik. However there is little doubt that he was generally recognised as a politician of rare worth in his integrity and connection to everyday Australians.
Detailing events from his birth in 1946, growing up at Boree Creek (about an hour west of Wagga Wagga), his service in Vietnam and his entry to politics at the tender age of 24, then his rise up the political ranks, The Boy from Boree Creek is that rare creature, a readable work of political biography.
Rees' book is an appropriate work to go down on the public record regarding what made Tim Fischer the man he is. It's an insightful and interesting while steering clear of overt hagiography.
Lady Spy, Gentleman Explorer
By Heather Rossiter
Published by Random House
 Lady Spy, Gentleman Explorer tells the unlikely (but entirely true) story of Herbert Dyce Murphy. Born in Melbourne in 1879, Murphy was to reject the family yoke as a (wealthy) farmer and head off in startlingly different directions during his 91 years.
After several shipboard adventures (including an Arctic whaling voyage), Murphy attended Oxford University where he was seen on stage playing a female character. His performance was so convincing that he ended up being recruited by British Intelligence to spy in drag.
A charismatic and inveterate storyteller throughout his life, Murphy was never short of a good yarn - and in 1911 had one of the best after sailing to the Antarctic with Douglas Mawson.
This is Heather Rossiter's first book and the writing is unexpectedly charming and inventive. It's very easy for biographers to fall into purely descriptive language (which often leads to a better revelation of the subject), but Rossiter resists the urge and develops an original cadence and turn of phrase that perfectly suit the telling of Murphy's adventurous life.
A great book on an unknown Australian - Lady Spy, Gentleman Explorer is biography-cum-small scale history of a fascinating character. It's an engaging and thoughtful piece of literature.
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