by David Cohen. Published by Massey University Press, 2020. Reviewed by John Meredith

Fridays with Jim is about Jim Bolger, a self-educated son of Irish immigrants who was New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1990-97 and Ambassador to the United States from 1998-2002. David Cohen presents Jim’s views thoughout, just adding short introductions to each chapter.

In his conversations Jim pays tribute to the influence of his wife Joan and his faith in his life. His belief in the inalienable worth and dignity of every person informs his concept of social justice and his idea of a just economic order and a humane welfare system for the country. He identifies inequality and climate change as issues that must be addressed urgently now. He is committed to building peaceful relationships between nations and to making the world nuclear weapon free. He credits the historic struggle for Irish independence from England (as learned from his parents) as a signficant influence in his commitment to justice under the Treaty of Waitangi. Jim emerges in these conversations as a person of compassion, humility, vision and service.

The book is illustrated with photographs, cartoons and extracts from Jim’s speeches and would make a great Christmas gift for someone interested in New Zealand history.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 255 December 2020: 31