Bob Carr Releases Memoir on Grief, Reflects on Loss and Geopolitical Issues

Bob Carr's "Bring Back Yesterday" Details Profound Grief and Political Concerns

Former New South Wales Labor Premier Bob Carr has released his new book, "Bring Back Yesterday," which details his profound grief following the sudden death of his wife, Helena, in October 2023. Helena Carr died from an aneurism in Vienna after five decades of marriage.

Carr's initial response to his wife's death involved walking Sydney's streets at night for months. He described this period as being "memory struck" and experiencing "unabashed nostalgia."

A Memoir of Love and Loss

The book serves to honor Helena and to candidly recount his personal aftermath. Carr stated his motivations for writing the book included preserving memories of Helena and her upbringing, and to offer help to others who unexpectedly lose a life partner. He found solace in reading accounts of loss by authors like Joan Didion, Julian Barnes, and C.S. Lewis.

"Carr stated his motivations for writing the book included preserving memories of Helena and her upbringing, and to offer help to others who unexpectedly lose a life partner."

Navigating a "Lonely State"

Carr also discussed the experience of adjusting to a "lonely state" after a long partnership, describing it as an "uncomfortable condition." He has had to learn various practical skills, such as using a coffee machine, a washing machine, cooking, Uber, internet banking, and grocery shopping.

He has had to learn various practical skills, such as using a coffee machine, a washing machine, cooking, Uber, internet banking, and grocery shopping.

Reflecting on Contemporary Issues

During a walk in Sydney's Botanic Gardens, Carr, who is 78, reflected on his childhood connection to the gardens. He also addressed contemporary political issues.

Regarding Israel, Carr questioned Australia's stance toward a state operating outside international law.

"At what point do we acknowledge that this country [Israel] is doing things that are unconscionable to Australian opinion and unconscionable to so much that is in Jewish thought and Jewish history."

He reiterated his criticism of the United States, particularly the Trump administration, and advised the Albanese government to re-evaluate the US-Australia alliance and the Aukus submarine deal. Carr noted that America is "now repudiating the idea of a rules-based order," a development he never imagined possible.

America is "now repudiating the idea of a rules-based order," a development he never imagined possible.