A powerful love story and grief memoir from one of Australia’s most respected public figures. Former New South Wales premier Bob Carr speaks candidly about love, loss and the partnership that shaped his life.

Written with honesty and emotional clarity, Carr’s memoir chronicles one of the darkest periods of his life following the death of his wife, Helena. It is an unflinching account of grief and a testament to resilience, tenderness and the defiant hope that emerges even in profound loss.

Bob Carr will appear in conversation with Alex Sloan AM. 

Book signings will be available in the foyer following the discussion.

This event is in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival.

About Bring Back Yesterday

Bring Back Yesterday is, at its heart, a love story: an intimate portrait of a long marriage, and of an author finding his footing again after devastating loss.

Raw, reflective and deeply moving, Carr’s insights will resonate with anyone who has loved deeply, shared a life with another, or experienced the ache of grief.

About Bob Carr

Bob Carr was the longest-serving NSW premier and foreign minister in the Gillard and Rudd governments. He is the author of Thoughtlines, My Reading Life, Diary of a Foreign Minister and a memoir, Run for Your Life.

About Alex Sloan AM

Alex Sloan AM has been a journalist for over 35 years, including over 27 years as a broadcaster with the ABC. In 2017, she was named Canberra Citizen of the Year. Alex was also made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for her significant service to the community of Canberra and to the broadcast media as a radio presenter. 

At the national level, Alex is deputy chair of leading progressive think tank The Australia Institute, a director of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and is a regular interviewer as part of the ANU Meet the Author series. Since 2020, she has worked as a pro bono advisor with key indigenous leaders Pat Anderson AO and Professor Megan Davis AC.