Nicole Johnston's highly realistic novel shows us the rough as well as the tender side of Australian politics, an arena where the blood of fallen reputations and abandoned politics stains the sand.Ambitious young Labour MP Rob Connor has dreams of taking the top job. Successive Cabinet portfolios bring him nearer his prize, and soon he's Deputy PM under Paul Keating. But an ill-timed election puts him on the Opposition back benches in a state of despair.His career becalmed, Rob addresses immigration and minority issues, while his lovely wife, Maggie, successfully writes children's books. Then a challenge to Rob's peace of mind comes from two unexpected sources: his teenage son, Jack, accuses him of 'selling out', and Maggie undergoes a life saving operation.Suddenly, Rob's whole life, let alone his political future, is on the line. The story takes us through his heart-searching and realignment with his family. But can he realise his lifelong dream of being boss of Australia? It's a fine balancing act, and it's perfectly described in this totally convincing novel of private emotions and public policies.