From one of Australia’s best-loved storytellers comes the story of a marriage set against the demands of a life in politics …Matt Durban is a seasoned politician, a country boy who moved to the big smoke and made his name in Canberra as the hardworking member for a city seat. His wife Carmel has been his loyal partner through all the ups and downs of political life; putting up with his absences and keeping the family going. She’s also got political views of her own, and isn’t above getting involved in campaigns in their local area, which isn’t exactly welcomed by some of the party’s bigger fish … Inevitably the demands of politics put a strain on their marriage, but together Matt and Carmel strive to make it work. Even though there are times when Matt wonders just how well he really does know his family.Now Matt’s tipped for the leadership of his party, and the weekend before the big vote he’s back in his old home town of Collamundra, greeting the locals and catching up with family. But there are those who don’t want Matt to be leader, and will do anything to stop him - even if it means going back decades … and putting everything he has worked for at risk.Jon Cleary’s new novel once again demonstrates the skills of a master storyteller, exposing the human story within the shark pool of politics.