Susan Mitchell first interviewed Margaret Whitlam for her book The Matriarchs, after which they became friends. Now, as a writer close to Margaret and her family, she reveals what lies behind the descriptions of ‘icon’ and ‘national treasure.’ She has been given access to Margaret’s collection of private papers, press cuttings and diaries, and she shares insights from these as she documents Margaret’s journey from a semi-detached in Bondi to the Lodge, from her husband’s accession to Prime Minister to his dismissal, and all the full years beyond.
We travel with Margaret as she grows from a schoolgirl to university student, social worker, wife, mother, political partner, First Lady and international tour leader. We observe the events and the relationships that shaped her, and the family that sustained her. We learn why she has become one of the most admired and beloved Australian women.
