AustLit

'Run For Your Life is not an orthodox autobiography. It is, rather, a stir‐fry of memoir, apologia pro vita sua, personal observations and political insights. If the result is at times indigestible, there are some tasty morsels. Carr’s description of his childhood, for example, effectively evokes a vanished post‐war suburban Australia. There is an excellent account of his difficult years in Opposition. With the frankness and honesty that is a feature of the book, Carr gives an amusing description of a Chinese restaurant lunch in 1990 where ALP elders brutally attacked his performance: “The criticism flowed like the wine, the Leader’s standing was demolished with the shredded lamb and fried rice” (p.66).'  (Introduction)