The Shrinking Nation (Graeme Turner, UQP)

Few would disagree that the Australian cultural and political landscape has undergone a seismic shift since the Howard era. In his new book, Graeme Turner argues that the result has been a ‘shrinking nation’—a sense of diminished possibilities and options across much of society. He briskly points the finger at numerous culprits, including the media (social and traditional), the effects of the pandemic and climate change, a reduction of ‘the nation’ to ‘the economy’ and a hands-off approach from our political leaders. The result is a perfect storm for civil society that has frayed our sense of stability and progress. Professor Emeritus of Cultural Studies at the University of Queensland, Turner has written a bleak but sharply observed state-of-the-nation update that should appeal to those looking for in-depth cultural commentary that goes beyond the usual online think pieces. His prose is at times academic but always readable, with a string of arguments that are clearly stated, passionate and well-put. Despite a grim laundry list of issues (though surely some LNP voters must have been happy with Scott Morrison not holding a hose), in The Shrinking Nation, Turner posits there’s guarded hope that recent factors, ranging from MasterChef to the 2022 election, signal a shift towards a more inclusive society. His conclusion asks, ‘What kind of nation do we want?’ Getting Australians to agree on an answer will be a tough job.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anthony Morris is a freelance reviewer, novelist, and podcaster. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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Category: Reviews