THE strength of this book is in its frank revelations.
Andrew Robb is prepared to wear his heart on his sleeve.
- Black Dog Daze: Public Life, Private Demons, by Andrew Robb. Melbourne University Publishing, rrp $34.95
This is not out of any self-indulgence, but because his story is likely to help others suffering from depression.
Robb shows that depression is something that he has dealt with over a lifetime.
Because of his work as a Liberal Party heavyweight and then as federal MP for Goldstein in Victoria, the pressures he experiences are immense.
They were also concealing a much deeper concern - the oscillations Robb showed with his moods and ability to respond to others.
But he did something about it.
The book tells his journey, from being able to confront depression and then to receive advice and medical intervention.
The message is clear: if you suspect you are depressed, get help.
The consequences of his decision were immense.
Robb managed his depression and, as a consequence, his own life became far more meaningful.
His background, explored in the book, is very much a Victorian country childhood.
Home was Flowerdale and his involvement in North East Victoria through family and groups is well covered in some insightful comments and anecdotes, not least using a barrel net in the Goulburn River with his grandfather.
While the book provides an up-to-date commentary on contemporary Australian politics, right up to the carbon tax, Robb shows how depression can be faced head on and how it can be beaten.
This is where the book is likely to have its greatest and widest appeal for readers, especially men.
Informative, occasionally moving, and compellingly interesting, this is an important and timely book.
