Be taken from one extreme to another

Having grown up during the Opera House's construction, listening to the book was remarkable. Wriiten beautifully and narrated in a very listenable cadence.

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2 people found this helpful

Fine account of a long building process.

I was in Sydney, or elsewhere in Australia, for the whole period covered by Peter Fitzsimons' book, and remember many of the episodes described in this book, without knowing what was going on below the public surface. This book tells us so much about that, from much research in archives, newspapers and the electronic media. The details become tedious at times, but they are necessary for us to understand what was going on. I always admired JJ Cahill for taking on the project from the very start, and proposing the funding model via the Opera House lottery, in which I had many a ticket; I took a great dislike to Davis Hughes, believing he had sacked Utzon, which he probably would have done if Utzon had not resigned, but I see now that the building may never have been completed if he had remained in Australia with sole charge of the architectural work, with an apparently unlimited budget. It was Hughes who realized this, and appointed the trio of architects led by Peter Hall, who eventually solved the many problems remaining after Utzon's departure. The building is an outstanding one of course, but mainly for its structure and exterior, not the interior. I enjoyed the book very much, and thought the narrator was good - but wondered if his pronunciation of Cahill as Car-hill is correct. Everyone talks about the 'Carl' Expressway, but the footballer of the same name is always called Cay-hill. No doubt the producer of the reading found out that Car-hill is the way JJC pronounced it - surely he or she would not have allowed the name to be said dozens of times during the same audio book incorrectly.

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Well done

This would have to be one of the most interesting and best books I think I’ve ever listen to Peter Fitzsimons it’s absolute credit to you the work that you must’ve put into this unbelievable. I’ve listen do I have a 220 audible books and this is up there with the best. And to make it more interesting it’s an Australian author and Australian story about an Australian icon it’s a must listen to . Craig jowett

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2 people found this helpful

Beautiful story

As a Sydney sider born in 1969, I have grown up with the opera house in my backyard, I attend performances on occasion and love the atmosphere of the ‘house’. I enjoy seeing tourists take delight in being photographed with the big shells in the background. That all said, I did not until reading this book understand the true nature of this national asset.
Fitzsimmons and his crew have told a fascinating story of the trials and tribulations that took place in the creation of this magnificent building.

I will now look at the opera house and it’s halls through new eyes and appreciation for all who doggedly determined to realise it’s being.

Overall, a great read, all the better for the detail provided by the author.

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The Story of the greatest building in the World

This Peter Fitz book takes 23.5 hr, what a surprise, and took me over a week.
This is the story of, imo, the most famous and most magnificent building in the world. In the 1950s, thanks to a largely forgotten Labour premier Joe Cahill, (he of the Cahill Expressway) the Opera House was conceived, a winning design chosen and commenced building in 1957, that in itself is unbelievable. Nothing like this structure had ever been built and of course, huge budget overruns brought politics and scandal all mixed into the arch-conservative 60s. It's a great story dominated by 4 men, the brilliant Jorn Utzon, the engineer Ove Arup, the ultra-conservative public Works minister Davis Hughes and Peter Hall who led the team that completed the building after Utzon's departure.
Fitz is one for detail and boy do we have it, we also have the history of the world from 1956 to 1973, the Goossens' scandal, Vietnam, JFK, the Beatles, decimal currency and Menzies to Gough.

10 years ago one of the first audiobooks I ever listened to was a similar fascinating book about the building of a structure, The Great Bridge, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough, I highly recommend this book also.
If you wish to immerse yourself in a story that became the transformation of our country I highly recommend this book. What was remarkable, was that we have yet another example of the myth that the conservatives have the monopoly on economic management, when despite all the problems with budget overruns the whole building was paid by NSW lotteries set up by the visionary Labour premier Joe Cahill.

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4 people found this helpful

Presents the history & events of SOH

I was 8 when the SOH opened, it was so informative hearing about the history and issues surrounding the story of how this amazing building was created. Thoroughly enjoyed the conversational presentation of the story as well as the historical & political context.

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A Fascinating Insight To An Australian Icon

I loved the simplicity of this complex and entertaining story. Essential listening for an entertaining insight into a modern part of Sydney's history.

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Red bandana keeps under control

I was concerned red bandana man’s hard left twaddle would permeate the story, happily it did not by and large. “Written by”. Seems a bit of a stretch, he had a significant team that did the heavy lifting, humility not a strong suite then?

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Not Peters best

I was really looking forward to listening to Peter’s new book but was disappointed
I have read pretty well most of his books and loved them all but this one has let me down, i cant wait to finish it
The narrator doesnt seem to seem interested either
Hopefully your next book will be much better

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3 people found this helpful

Interesting, though a little long

Not Peter’s best work, though overall interesting enough. I thought it was too long, could’ve been told in a more condensed form. I think, personally, Peter is pushing too many books out too quickly and sacrificing quality.

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