Our History: A House Divided

By Clare Hallifax

Reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lowndes

November 11, 1975 is a date etched vividly into the minds of many Australians, not only because of Remembrance Day, but also because that was the infamous day upon which the Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, was sacked by the Governor General, Sir John Kerr. Fifty years on, a new generation is learning about this significant event.

Juliet and her family are about to set off for summer holidays to the beach when unfortunately her dad is called to work unexpectedly. The family lives in Canberra, and her dad is an important public servant working in the office of the Prime Minister. Cyclone Tracy has destroyed Darwin on Christmas Day, and all staff have been called in to help deal with ensuing crisis. As 1975 progresses, events are revealed through Juliet’s preparation for a Social Studies assignment which she undertakes by clipping important items from the newspapers. Young readers of 2025 will be fascinated to learn about life in 1975 – black and white television, landline telephones, Old Parliament House, newspapers and the absence of computers.

Juliet lives with her family comprising Mum, Dad, Grandma and older sister Bridget, who is away at University. Her best friend is Ness, and she also befriends new neighbour, Robbie. As the year unfolds, tensions rise between Grandma and Bridget (who has left uni), Juliet and Ness, Ness and Robbie, Robbie and Juliet. The theme of conflict percolates through many of these interactions as the various characters sort out their differences. Meanwhile, the political turmoil is building up as the Labour Party, headed by Mr Whitlam, lurches through crisis after crisis, culminating the fateful day of dismissal. The family is involved, Bridget teaming up with a friend to attend the protests, and Dad becoming embroiled through his work.

Clare Hallifax has crafted a clever novel of historical fiction by focussing on a realistic family who experiences first hand the significant events of 1975. Young readers will relate to the problems of Juliet and her friends and might be surprised to discover that the way life was lived in 1975 was vastly different to the world of today.

The publisher recommends a reading age of 8+ but this seems a bit young. Year 6 or 7 (12-13 year olds) typically go to Canberra for tours of Parliament House etc, so readers aged 12+ would understand and enjoy the story more.

Walker Books Australia 2025

Clare Hallifax