Blanche d'Alpuget, Australian author

Josephine Blanche d'Alpuget, born on 3 January 1944, is a notable Australian literary figure, celebrated both for her impactful writing career and her prominent personal life as the second wife of the late Robert James Lee 'Bob' Hawke. Hawke served as Australia's Prime Minister for an exceptional period, making him the longest-serving leader from the Australian Labor Party and a pivotal figure in the nation's political history.

A Celebrated Literary Career

Josephine d'Alpuget's literary contributions span across various genres, including fiction, biography, and historical non-fiction, establishing her as a significant voice in Australian literature. Her works often delve into complex political landscapes, cross-cultural dynamics, and profound human experiences.

• Turtle Beach (1981): This critically acclaimed novel, set amidst political unrest in Malaysia, explores themes of identity, colonialism, and geopolitical tensions. Its profound narrative earned it a shortlisting for the prestigious Miles Franklin Award, Australia's most significant literary prize, and was subsequently adapted into a feature film, enhancing its public recognition.
• Other Novels: Her earlier work, Monkeys in the Dark (1980), also explores themes of identity and conflict, while Winter in Jerusalem (1986) showcases her ability to craft compelling narratives in diverse international settings.
• Biographical Works: D'Alpuget has also made notable contributions to biography. Her 1982 work, Robert J. Hawke: A Biography, provided an early, comprehensive, and insightful account of the man who would later become her husband, offering unique perspectives on his formative years and political ascent. Decades later, she released The Young John F. Kennedy: A Memoir (2018), which meticulously researched and shed new light on the early life of the iconic 35th U.S. President.

Relationship with Prime Minister Bob Hawke

Beyond her literary achievements, Josephine d'Alpuget is widely known for her enduring relationship with Robert James Lee 'Bob' Hawke. Their connection began in Jakarta in 1970, years before Hawke commenced his impactful tenure as Prime Minister of Australia. At that time, Hawke was a prominent figure within Australia's trade union movement, serving as President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

Their relationship, which evolved over many years and became public following Hawke's divorce from his first wife, Hazel Hawke, culminated in their marriage in 1995. This union saw d'Alpuget become the second wife of the man who led Australia from 1983 to 1991, solidifying his status as the Australian Labor Party's longest-serving Prime Minister. Their marriage lasted until Hawke's passing in May 2019, a period during which d'Alpuget continued to be a significant presence in his life.

Bob Hawke's prime ministership was marked by a period of significant social reform and economic restructuring, including floating the Australian dollar, Medicare implementation, and various environmental initiatives, shaping much of modern Australia's policy landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Josephine d'Alpuget

When was Josephine d'Alpuget born?

Josephine d'Alpuget was born on 3 January 1944.

What is Josephine d'Alpuget primarily known for?

She is primarily known as an acclaimed Australian writer, authoring novels like Turtle Beach and notable biographies, and as the second wife of Australia's longest-serving Labor Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.

What is her most famous literary work?

Her most renowned novel is Turtle Beach (1981), which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and adapted into a film. She is also recognized for her biographical work, particularly Robert J. Hawke: A Biography (1982).

When did Josephine d'Alpuget marry Bob Hawke?

Josephine d'Alpuget married Bob Hawke in 1995, following his divorce from his first wife, Hazel Hawke.