Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
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The Governess
Wendy Holden, $29.99
As the royal governess, Marion Crawford played a major role in shaping the childhood of Queen Elizabeth II, however her own story is largely unknown. Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford was a progressive young workingclass woman who, as royal governess for 17 years, lived on the most intimate terms with Princess Margaret and the future Queen Elizabeth II. She had a ringside seat to some of the most seismic events of the 20th century. This is a look into the childhood of the world’s longest-reigning monarch – a story of conflict and contradiction, of state dinners and hunger marches, and of a left-winger amongst the ultimate conservatives.
A REPURPOSED LIFE Ronni Kahn with Jessica Chapnik Kahn, $32.99
This story traverses Ronni’s early years growing up under the brutal system of apartheid in South Africa, to the time she spent in a commune in Israel and the years of decadence that ultimately led her to a profound new way of living and giving, where hand-delivering untouched food to homeless shelters around Sydney became her renegade solution. Now founder and CEO of Ozharvest, with thousands of volunteers, she has a goal to nourish Australia. A truly inspiring read.
ISLANDS OF MERCY Rose Tremain, $32.99
In 1865, a young woman renowned for her nursing skills believes another destiny will show itself to her. Jane finds herself torn between a dangerous affair and the promise of a conventional marriage. Meanwhile, on the wild island of Borneo, the eccentric Sir Ralph Savage, overflowing with philanthropy, sees his schemes relentlessly undermined. Jane’s quest for an altered life and Sir Ralph’s endeavours become locked together as the story journeys across the globe.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2021
$29.99
Craig Glenday, editor-inchief of Guinness World Records, says, “This year’s book has been compiled in the most extraordinary of circumstances. Halfway through writing it, the world was turned upside down by COVID-19 but, despite lockdowns, it’s not stopped people from breaking records.” Encounter the cutest, weirdest, most dangerous and exotic creatures, meet the world’s tallest, shortest and hairiest humans, and read about sports stars at the top of their game and the world’s most prolific and successful actors, musicians and influencers.