A Family Romance: The Deakins at HomeA Family Romance is the story of the family of Alfred Deakin, Australia's first elected Prime Minister. In this intriguing book, John Rickard explores the complex web of relationships between Alfred, his wife Pattie, and his sister Catherine. The Deakin 'family romance' is permeated by the influence of spiritualism which, in extraordinary circumstances, brought Alfred and Pattie together, and which was to haunt their marriage. It is a tale which, with its Gothic overtones, has the character of a novel, but which, in its telling, poses questions about the nature of biography. How can we bring to life the emotional world inhabited by such a family--or must that territory be conceded to the novelist? John Rickard beautifully evokes the life of a middle-class Australian family at the turn of the century, and gives us the untold story behind the public achievements of great man. |
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27 Adams Street Alfred and Pattie Alfred Deakin Alfred's Alfy Alfy's Aunt Katie Australian baby Ballara became brother Browne's career Catherine Catherine's diary child childhood circle city of refuge concern course daugh daughter David Rivett Deakin family Deakin Papers dear death drama emotional father feeling felt gave hand happy Herbert and Ivy Hugh Junor Browne ideal imagine interest Katie's knew Kyneton later lectures letter live Llanarth lover marriage married Marshall-Hall medium mediumistic mediumship Melbourne messages Mickle mother Nauze never noted occasion parents Park House Pattie's Pattie's mediumship perhaps Pilgrim's Progress played Point Lonsdale political Progressive Lyceum realise recalled relationship Rivett role seance seemed sense sister South Yarra spirit spiritualist Stella story suggests suitor teacher Thompson thought told took turn Victorian Walter Murdoch wife William and Sarah William Deakin Winwick woman women writing young Zora Cross