Michael Kirby (2) (1939–)

Memoirs are a bit hit and miss for me, and this one was far more miss than hit, because I found Kirby at times remote and at others unlikeable. I can’t even point at why, because I did find aspects of the essays really interesting. In the essay on meeting his life partner, Kirby comes across as not really liking his younger self, which made me quite uncomfortable. On the other hand, the essay on talking to members of the legal profession in Africa (I forget which country, and I don’t have the book to hand) gave a really good perspective on the AIDS crisis I hadn’t previously been even remotely aware of.… (altro)

I was really keen to read this memoir, from one of Australia's contemporary, influential public figures - justice of the high court and gay, as the title implies, it is a collection of memories, a collection of essays really, themed largely around his sexuality, discrimination and education and his experiences tarvelling around the world. Michael Kirby has a lot more to say I'd suggest - he did not expand as much as I was hoping on his career, his friends, colleagues, family, politics, the legal system,major public events - and so I look forward to his next collection. In the meantime, sense this book was pulled together to get some facts on the table about his homosexuality. It's an easy, accessible read, at times a bit of gay, gay fun, revelation. I do hope, though, more Michael Kirby memoirs will follow on broader events during his career - he has a lot to share.… (altro)