Our History: A House Divided (Clare Hallifax, Walker Books)

In Our History: A House Divided, Clare Hallifax places the political turmoil of the 1975 Dismissal of the Whitlam government within the everyday rhythms of family life in Canberra. The story is told through Juliet, a primary school student in her final year, whose father is Principal Private Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister. Suitable for readers aged 8+, the story offers a front-row seat to a turbulent period in Australian history through the eyes of a curious and perceptive pre-teen at the centre of the action. As Juliet navigates shifting friendships and social dynamics, she also researches life in 1970s Australia for a school project. This narrative device allows Hallifax to weave in primary sources, including newspaper headlines, political speeches, protest rallies, Countdown’s Top 10 and even the antics of the TV character Norman Gunston. Through its multi-generational cast of family members, the story introduces readers to conversations about historical social changes, such as free university education, women’s equality, and no-fault divorce. At its core, Our History: A House Divided explores how, for the most part, Australian democracy has endured disagreements and upheavals without descending into chaos. The novel is part of a new middle-grade historical fiction series and serves as a compelling entry point for students to learn about the evolution of Canberra, the workings of a democratic government, and the role of media in political life, all while being grounded in a relatable and engaging family narrative.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Merril Darling is a freelance reviewer based in Melbourne. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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