The Costello Memoirs: A Reader's Lament

I purchased a copy of 'The Costello Memoirs' last week - a couple of days after the book was launched by Peter Costello and the book's co-author, Peter Coleman.

Almost as soon as the book hit the stores it was discounted dramatically from its RRP of $55.00. In fact, the day I bought mine, I checked out Borders, Big W and Angus & Robertson, and all of those chains had it on discount. Big W, where I got mine, being the cheapest at $32.00.

Peter Costello was the longest serving Australian federal treasurer in this country's history.

He was deputy leader of the Liberal (Conservative) Party from 1996 to 2007 and treasurer for the same period.

Costello was one of only three politicians to serve in the same position for the entire eleven-year reign of the Howard government - the other two being John Howard as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party, and Alexander Downer as Foreign Affairs minister.

Not many politicians write their memoirs whilst still in parliament, even fewer can do so with the experience of eleven years in the same position in the second-most important role in government.

So it was with anticipation that I started reading 'The Costello Memoirs.'

The book is full of interesting anecdotes and enlightening behind-the-scenes machinations, but it is let down by errors of chronology and rushed editing. The book jumps around all over the shop in places, and at times left me wondering if someone had moved my bookmark.

Mike Steketee in his review in 'The Australian', rather kindly referred to the editing as 'inadequate'.

Considering Costello's humour and gift for entertaining speeches, I found the book disappointingly dry, and a bit of a tedious read (not exactly what I would call a 'page-turner'.)

A work such as this by one of the most prominent Conservative politicians of the last 20 years should have been deserving of much tighter - and less rushed - editing. Editing that allowed for the author's wit and engaging personality to shine through, whilst ensuring the integrity of the chronology of events.

I hope these things are addressed in Volume 2!

I give the book 6/10 - for political afficionados and aspiring treasurers only.