AustLit

'In this third novel in the Hogarth Trilogy, the war in Vietnam moves closer to Australia, conscripts are sent to Vietnam, and the community begins to divide. Helen Hogarth, increasingly passionate about the wrongness of Australia's involvement, becomes a protester, which complicates the life of her husband, who is not only an increasingly important playerwithin the University but also the designer of a change in structure to a munitions factory, sure to be the target of protests and strike action.Within the university too there is growing division, and Hogarth becomes involved in the journey of a disgruntled academic staff member, who begins to paint slogans on University property.It begins to be clear that the staff member'sprotest is directed at the Vice-Chancellor. Is itbecause he was refused promotion in the last round, or is it because he is one of the leaders in the anti-Vietnam action demonstration.Helen Hogarth wins a court battle as a solicitor,joins the ALP and is suddenly the endorsed candidate for an unwinnable seat. Hogarth's worries intensify, but he discovers what has been the source of the staff member's unhappiness, and in doing so learns what the Vice-Chancellor did during the war, which illuminates the last days of that conflict.Helen Hogarth's quest for a seat, though this contest is only a first shot, makes Hogarth realise that wis wife has great talents, and he becomes aware that her career is more important than his own. She does not win, but they agree it is a new start.' (Publication summary)