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'A world in upheaval; two lives lived under stress … This story is set in the social and political landscape of pre– and post–World War II. It tells two vastly different tales of Cecily and John’s lives in Australia and overseas, as nations clashed, and governments and international organisations tried to remake the world.
'Cecily Nixon knew that marrying John Burton would be bad for her. But she loved him and, impressed with this handsome, sullen young man and his belief that he could change the world for the better, saw her role in life as to serve the world through John.
'Cecily’s story is a deeply personal and psychological one of love, duty and betrayal that explores the complexities of relationships. In a world that overwhelmed her, Cecily searched for ‘wholeness’ and delved deep into her psyche to find herself and emerge from John’s shadow.
'John has been known as an influential and controversial young head of Australia’s Department of External Affairs – and as a would-be politician. It is less known that he was also an innovative farmer, bookseller, entrepreneur, arts patron and writer. He received international acclaim for his later work in conflict analysis and resolution.
'These combined stories of courage and achievement unfold amid political intrigue and psychological trauma. ASIO surveillance, love triangles, loyalty, infidelity and tragedy all play their part in the Burtons’ lives.' (Publication summary)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
-
Scenes from a Marriage
2022
single work
review
— Appears in: Inside Story , October 2022;
— Review of Persons of Interest : An Intimate Account of Cecily and John Burton 2022 single work biography'Two daughters profile a controversial father and an enigmatic mother against the backdrop of the growing bush capital'
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Public and Private Lives : A Controversial Diplomat and Bureaucrat
2022
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , September no. 446 2022; (p. 44-45)
— Review of Persons of Interest : An Intimate Account of Cecily and John Burton 2022 single work biography'Persons of Interest does not fit readily into any familiar genre. It crosses the borders of biography, psychology, Cold War history, and family studies. When Pamela Burton and her sister Meredith Edwards decided to write a book about their parents, they realised that different readerships would be attracted to different parts. Who would be interested in a book about the marriage, and the post-divorce lives, of a man who had been a central figure in public controversies many decades ago and a sensitive, introspective woman who was little known to the public but for whom their daughters felt far greater sympathy? By crossing those borders with what their prologue calls ‘a unique, intimate and candid account of our parents’ complexities and interweaving relationships’, they have written a book that will be ‘of interest’ to many readers, no matter what their usual focus.'(Introduction)
-
Public and Private Lives : A Controversial Diplomat and Bureaucrat
2022
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , September no. 446 2022; (p. 44-45)
— Review of Persons of Interest : An Intimate Account of Cecily and John Burton 2022 single work biography'Persons of Interest does not fit readily into any familiar genre. It crosses the borders of biography, psychology, Cold War history, and family studies. When Pamela Burton and her sister Meredith Edwards decided to write a book about their parents, they realised that different readerships would be attracted to different parts. Who would be interested in a book about the marriage, and the post-divorce lives, of a man who had been a central figure in public controversies many decades ago and a sensitive, introspective woman who was little known to the public but for whom their daughters felt far greater sympathy? By crossing those borders with what their prologue calls ‘a unique, intimate and candid account of our parents’ complexities and interweaving relationships’, they have written a book that will be ‘of interest’ to many readers, no matter what their usual focus.'(Introduction)
-
Scenes from a Marriage
2022
single work
review
— Appears in: Inside Story , October 2022;
— Review of Persons of Interest : An Intimate Account of Cecily and John Burton 2022 single work biography'Two daughters profile a controversial father and an enigmatic mother against the backdrop of the growing bush capital'
