Recommended by Dunsborough Book Chat Club
A fascinating autobiography by New Zealand’s third female prime minister, who resigned from the leadership in 2023. Ardern became a global icon, at 37 (when elected), popular, and commanding enormous respect with her empathetic leadership. Her tenure was fraught with problems – notably, the Christchurch massacre in 2019, volcanic eruptions, and COVID 19.
Her tone is warm and somewhat self-effacing as she describes her doubts and fears that she will be too thin skinned for politics. However, Ardern’s depiction of the problems in bringing a child into the world while managing a country, balancing home life, and a relentless work schedule, is both revealing and admirable. She comes across as a compassionate and idealistic leader who knew when to resign when she felt that she no longer “had anything left in the tank.” A refreshing and compulsive read.
4.3/5 Stars