David Maywald

The Shadow Game is the concluding volume of Steve Lewis and Chris Uhlmann’s Secret City trilogy, following The Marmalade Files and The Mandarin Code. All three are set in Canberra, the centre of Australian government and politics. The series has a signature blend of political intrigue, media machinations, and espionage. The Shadow Game elevates this to the highest stakes yet: the escalating strategic rivalry between China and the United States, with Australia caught in the middle. The book captures both the global dimensions of superpower rivalry and the intimate workings of Canberra’s corridors of power, showing how fragile democracies can be when they are tested by secrecy, betrayal, and pressure from authoritarian states... The trilogy as a whole is remarkable for how it grounds global geopolitics in a uniquely Australian setting. Whereas many political thrillers lean heavily on Washington, London, or Moscow, Lewis and Uhlmann’s decision to centre Canberra underscores Australia’s pivotal (though often underestimated) role in Indo-Pacific geopolitics. In The Shadow Game, the clash between China and America isn't presented in abstract policy debates, but as a lived reality shaping the decisions of politicians, bureaucrats, and intelligence officers. This novel illustrates the dilemmas of sovereignty, loyalty, and vulnerability in a mid-sized power navigating an increasingly hostile world. One of the more subtle achievements across the three books is the depiction of masculinity. The male protagonists (including journalists, spies, and politicians) struggle with themes of duty, loyalty, honour, and betrayal... Their masculinity isn't celebrated in a simplistic or heroic style. Instead, it is tested, compromised, and reframed within the murky world of secrets and moral ambiguity. Characters like Harry Dunkley embody the tension between masculine traits of courage and stoicism with the disillusionment that comes from operating within a cynical political landscape. Female characters are often depicted as equally shrewd and capable, but the trilogy recognises the persistence of male-coded power structures in politics and security. Masculinity here is not dismissed or demonised - it is interrogated, sometimes tarnished, yet ultimately portrayed as adaptable to shifting realities. As the final instalment, The Shadow Game ties together the narrative threads with heightened urgency, leaving readers with the sense that Australia’s fate isn't only tied to great-power conflict but also to the integrity of its own institutions (which have been severely mangled by vested interests). Lewis and Uhlmann succeed in blending pacey storytelling with thoughtful reflection on democracy, sovereignty, and the price of compromise. The trilogy as a whole can be seen as a landmark in Australian political fiction: it captures the Canberra psyche, highlights the precarious balance between press freedom and national security, and situates Australia within the frontline of 21st-century geopolitics. Overall, The Shadow Game is a fitting conclusion to the series. It is tightly written, thematically resonant, and geopolitically prescient. As a trilogy, Secret City offers not only gripping entertainment but also a sober meditation on power, responsibility, and the contested meanings of masculinity in turbulent times... Highly recommended. Have a read for yourself.

The Marmalade Files is the gripping first instalment of the Secret City trilogy, a political thriller series that blends sharp journalism with page-turning intrigue. It was written by Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis, and originally published in August 2012. Set in Canberra, the novel captures the unique rhythms and atmosphere of Australia’s capital, with locations so vividly described that anyone familiar with the city will recognise the corridors of Parliament House, the embassies, the cafés, and the quiet streets where whispers of power change the course of events. At its heart, the story follows the cut-and-thrust of political manoeuvring, investigative journalism, and personal ambition. But it also ventures far beyond Australia’s borders. The novel is infused with the shadow of strategic rivalry between the United States and China, a contest that feels even more relevant today than when the book was first released. The authors skilfully weave this geopolitical tension into the narrative, exploring how Great Power competition can play out through smaller nations, shaping domestic politics, policy decisions, and national security. In today’s world, where the Indo-Pacific has become a focal point for both economic opportunity and military brinkmanship, The Marmalade Files reads as both a compelling work of fiction and as a prescient commentary on current affairs. It is a reminder that the high-stakes games between superpowers often unfold not in distant capitals but in the offices, meeting rooms, and back corridors of places like Canberra. For readers who enjoy political thrillers with local authenticity and global resonance, this is a smart and engaging starting point to a trilogy that only gets more intense from here...

Excellent reference book, containing much-needed evidence from an under-researched field. The publishers, editors, and authors deserve huge praise for this truth-telling volume.

This is a book for boys aged 8 to 12 that tells the stories of men who have followed their dreams, cared for others, and changed the world. It should be in every school library, and in every public library. It should be a rite of passage for primary school aged boys - to scaffold their confidence, and to motivate their contributions to society. This book is packed with bite-sized, inspiring stories of men from all walks of life — inventors, teachers, activists, athletes, nurses, artists, and more — who prove that grit, kindness, creativity, and courage are still worthwhile. Whether it’s about bouncing back from failure or standing up for what’s right, each story gives young readers a reason to believe that they can make a difference too. If you're a boy, raising a boy, or teaching boys then Yes, Boys Can! is like a fist-bump from history with encouragement to persevere and succeed. Authors Jonathan Juravich and Richard V. Reeves have put together an upbeat celebration of male trailblazers who dared to dream big, fail forward, and change our world. There are no dusty textbook vibes here. The tone is playful, the pages are punchy, and the message is clear: being a good man isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being you, with a purpose. Think of it as the literary version of a pep talk from your coolest uncle (the one who listens, joins you in gaming, and has some okay advice on the side). A must-have for family bookshelves, libraries, and for anyone who wants to help build confidence and character in boys. Plus there are bonus points for being a unique conversation starter, in a culture that often praises femininity but demonises masculinity. Inspire boys to be confident and caring through the biographies of 50 fascinating men, past and present, representing the important fields of Health, Education, the Arts, and Literacy (HEAL). This book unapologetically says “Yes, boys can!” and after reading it, boys will start to believe that they can too...

John Stapleton’s Failure is a searing and unapologetic critique of Australia’s family law system and the role of the Family Court in what he describes as a systemic and institutional betrayal of fathers. Drawing from extensive research, personal stories, and a clear-eyed analysis of legal and cultural dynamics, Stapleton exposes the deep-rooted biases and discrimination faced by men navigating custody battles and family breakdowns... The book pulls no punches in laying bare the inequities within the current system, where fathers are too often marginalised, vilified, or pushed to the fringes of their children’s lives. Stapleton presents a compelling case that the very institutions meant to uphold justice and fairness frequently fail to protect the rights of both parents equally, contributing to emotional and financial devastation for countless men (divorced men are nine times more likely to commit suicide than divorced women). But Failure is not merely a catalogue of grievances—it is also a call to action. Stapleton outlines a series of practical and principled reforms, from legal restructuring and greater accountability within the Family Court to a cultural shift in how fatherhood is perceived and valued. He challenges policymakers, legal professionals, and society at large to confront uncomfortable truths and to build a more balanced, child-focused, and evidence-based approach to family law. In a time when discussions about "gender equality" often ignore and downplay the plight of men, Failure is a timely and provocative contribution. It's essential reading for anyone concerned with justice, fairness, and the future of families in Australia.

This is a very timely and convincing book, which inflicts devastating blows onto Social Justice fundamentalism and it’s activism (through postcolonial theory, queer theory, critical race theory, intersectionality, feminism, gender studies, disability and fat studies). Universities should be undertaking scholarship, not activism for ideologies (which is referred to as “Theory”). Why are these areas being subsidised by government funding, if they don’t adhere to academic standards? “by the late 1990s, postmodernism in its purest, original form had fallen out of fashion, but Theory had not. It provided radical activists, including scholar-activists, with an all-encompassing way of thinking about the world and society, which still informs much scholarship in the humanities and has made considerable inroads into the social sciences, especially sociology, anthropology, and psychology… the conception of society based on the postmodern knowledge and political principles – that set of radically skeptical ideas, in which knowledge, power, and language are merely oppressive social constructs to be exploited by the powerful – has not only survived more or less intact but also flourished within many identity- and culture-based “studies” fields, especially in the so-called “Theoretical humanities.” These, in turn, influence and often hold sway over the social sciences and professional programs like education, law, psychology, and social work, and have been carried by activists and media into broader culture.” While arguing for liberalism quite forcefully, the book does prompt asking whether progress has been made since the 1980s and 1990s… “It is therefore no exaggeration to observe that Social Justice Theorists have created a new religion, a tradition of faith that is actively hostile to reason, falsification, disconfirmation, and disagreement of any kind.” “What is, perhaps, most frustrating about Theory is that it tends to get literally every issue it’s primarily concerned with backwards, largely due to its rejection of human nature, science, and liberalism. It allots social significance to racial categories, which inflames racism. It attempts to depict categories of sex, gender, and sexuality as mere social constructions, which undermines the fact that people often accept sexual minorities because they recognize that sexual expression varies naturally... Theory is highly likely to spontaneously combust at some point, but it could cause a lot of human suffering and societal damage before it does.” In addition to concluding that Social Justice activism is a form of religious belief, there are some nuanced recommendations for better paths forwards (for universities, for policy, and for society). This book is an enlightening read, and is worth ploughing through the 270 pages of quite dense text.

While covering important material and bringing some fascinating perspectives to the table, I found this book to be poorly written and challenging to enjoy… Kantor writes on the practical implementation of the four levels of “structural dynamics”, with a focus on applications/interpretation of corporate decision making and executive management. “Structural dynamics theory began in the 1970s in the course of my studying face-to-face communication in families. In the 1990s, it extended to the study of couples in therapy. Between 2000 and 2008, I began to expand the theory and to apply it to corporations and their teams. Going forward, structural dynamics will focus primarily on teams, team behavior in low and high stakes, and the ability to measure change using computerized instruments with the capacity to code and capture structural dynamics’ basic unit of measurement, the speech act. Over time, the speech act became the theory’s basic unit for coding and measuring what happens in human vocal discourse in social networks like families, couples, and teams.” Reading the Room is a thought-provoking exploration of group dynamics and communication patterns, particularly in leadership and organisational settings. Kantor describes his "Four Player Model" to explain how individuals take on specific roles during conversation: Mover, Follower, Opposer, and Bystander. While the book provides deep insights into interpersonal interactions and systems thinking, its dense theoretical approach and complex terminology will be challenging for many readers who are unfamiliar with psychological frameworks. Additionally, the practical applications are much less actionable, when compared to more straightforward leadership books. I wasn’t a fan of this book, but for those willing to engage with its depth, Reading the Room may offer valuable perspectives on improving team communication and organisational effectiveness. Take it on if you dare!

This long novel was published in March 1943, and totals 727 pages. Ayn Rand was a Russian-born American writer and philosopher. She is known for developing a philosophical system which she named Objectivism. Ayn Rand described it as "the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute". The Fountainhead explores the philosophy of individualism through the life and struggles of its protagonist, Howard Roark. As a fiercely independent architect, Roark refuses to conform to societal expectations and instead he champions personal integrity and artistic vision above all else. He retains uncompromising standards, even amidst pressure from clients: “A building has integrity, just as a man and just as seldom! It must be true to its own idea, have its own form, and serve its own purpose!” The novel follows Roark’s journey as he battles against a world that values tradition, mediocrity, and collectivism... His refusal to compromise his artistic ideals leads to numerous setbacks, but he remains steadfast. Alongside Roark, the novel presents a cast of complex characters, including Peter Keating, an opportunistic and conventional architect who seeks success through pandering to popular tastes, and Dominique Francon, a woman torn between admiration for Roark’s ideals and her cynicism about society’s ability to appreciate greatness. At its core, the novel is a celebration of individualism and the pursuit of personal excellence. Roark represents the ideal man in Rand’s philosophy—someone who creates for his own fulfillment rather than seeking external validation. The novel critiques collectivism, illustrating how societal pressures often stifle true creativity and innovation. Rand also explores the theme of integrity, contrasting Roark’s unwavering principles with Keating’s willingness to sacrifice his values for approval. “He thought only that he wished to find joy and reason and meaning in life…” In an address that she gave during 1963, Ayn Rand said: “This is the motive and purpose of my writing: the projection of an ideal man. The portrayal of a moral ideal, as my ultimate literary goal”. The Fountainhead is a novel that continues to inspire and provoke discussion. It’s well worth reading for those interested in philosophical fiction, individualism, and the intersection of art with ethics. While its ideological rigidity wont appeal to everyone, its compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes make it a literary classic. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Rand’s philosophy, The Fountainhead remains a novel that challenges conventional thinking and leaves a lasting impact. Six years after the book’s release, a film of the same name was directed by King Vidor (starring Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Raymond Massey, and Kent Smith). This movie has a 79% score from critics and 74% from viewers, at Rotten Tomatoes.

This is an interesting and somewhat helpful book, on both the theory and the reality of married life (usually with kids). Quite a lot of the text is devoted to the history of marriage in the United States, also to psychological studies, some personal reflections from the author, as well as practical guidance in three areas: Lovehacking; Going All In; and Recalibrating. Finkel explores how modern marriages have evolved to become both more fulfilling and more demanding than ever before. He argues that while expectations for marriage have skyrocketed (shifting from basic survival to deep personal fulfillment), only those who invest time and effort can achieve truly successful relationships. Backed by psychological research and historical analysis, he provides a number of practical strategies to help couples strengthen their bonds… This book is quite insightful and well-researched, offering a fresh perspective on marriage in the 21st century. It’s a worthwhile read for those looking to navigate the complexities of modern relationships, while maximising their emotional and personal growth within them.

“If women are to continue to live as equals to men and play a full role in forging the world for future generations, they need to throw off the shackles of feminism. Feminism’s presentation of women as victims of a dominant and rapacious masculinity, on the one hand, and faceless patriarchal forces, on the other, does neither women nor men any favours. It’s time for us to rehabilitate a word popular among feminists in the 1960s: liberation. For women and men to be truly free and able to realize their full potential today, we all need to be liberated from feminism and the gender wars.” This hard hitting and fact-filled book from 2017 was several years ahead of it’s time. It is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the social relations between women, men, girls, and boys. “Today’s feminist campaigns present a view of women as vulnerable rather than strong. Campaigns against skinny models in advertisements, for example, send a message that all women are at risk of developing eating disorders if they see a beautiful but undernourished woman. When many women are faring better than men in school and at work, the message that women are victims flies in the face of reality. Worse, it risks turning back the clock on previous feminist victories.” Upfront she writes: “there is a dominant feminist narrative that… clearly espouses one idea above all others: that women are disadvantaged and oppressed; routine victims of everyday sexism, casual misogyny and the workings of patriarchy. The better women’s lives become, the harder it seems that a new generation of feminists must try to justify their purpose through uncovering ever more obscure problems.” “If feminism meant ignoring boys falling behind at school, and telling girls to fear members of their own families as well as half of their classmates, then it wasn’t something I wanted anything to do with… the more I’ve been confronted with fourth-wave or intersectional feminism, the more I’ve become convinced it is detrimental… On paper, women are doing better than ever before and, particularly when younger, better than men.” “Victim feminism presents a selective view of the world that sends a message to young women that life will be difficult and the world is against them. The more this message stands in contradiction to the reality of women’s lives today, the more feminists seek out increasingly obscure examples of prejudice.” “The interests of women are better secured in conjunction with their male colleagues rather than by opposing them… We need to move beyond a battle of the sexes in order to get more opportunities and freedom for everyone… In reducing the totality of human experience to a never ending gender war in which men are perpetually called to account for their role in the oppression of women, third-wave feminism also challenges the concept of individual autonomy.”