AustLit

'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)

'With sharp satire and fierce feminism, Pamela Burton’s years of legal practice are put to devastating use in this interrogation of a murder mystery, and the rollicking incompetence of ASIO super sleuths. The stench of rot from Operation Fishnet and its web of corrupt and greedy men, with an eye to illegal immigration and boatloads of contraband, unravels in a fascinating courtroom drama. A Foreign Affair, with its intricate knowledge of a spy operation in disarray, and the petty foolishness of the men in power, feels like the ultimate Canberra insider’s revenge, with a feminist twist in the knife!' - Virginia Haussegger AM (Publication summary)

'Anthony Waterlow left his decrepit room in a run-down boarding house at 4.45 p.m on Monday 9 November 2009. By 6 p.m, the 42-year-old was seen leaving another home: his sister Chloe's in Randwick. He left behind her slaughtered body and that of their father; celebrated art curator Nick Waterlow. The pair had been stabbed multiple times, in front of Chloe's three young children. The Waterlow Killings delves beneath the public face of a successful and affluent family, to reveal private suffering that even their closest friends could not have guessed. The story takes us deep into the world of musical, literary and visual artists who defy conventionality, push boundaries and become international celebrities. But behind that apparently glamorous life of the Waterlows; with British aristocratic blood lines and Nick's art world fame; lay a story of love, despair and torment. (Publisher's blurb)

'From Moree to Mabo is the remarkable story of Mary Gaudron QC, the first female justice of the High Court of Australia.

From her formative years spent in a NSW country town to being appointed the first female justice of the High Court of Australia (1987) author Pamela Burton conveys the extraordinary life of one of our most colourful High Court judges.

In a groundbreaking career, Mary Gaudron passionately championed gender equality and indigenous rights, ruling on landmark decisions such as Mabo and Wik. She also appeared in the Equal Pay case for the Whitlam Government.

With a Foreword by The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, From Moree to Mabo: The Mary Gaudron Story paints a compelling portrait of a dynamic woman and her extensive contributions to the Australian legal system.' (Publisher's blurb)