Marilyn Waring: In the lifetime of a goat

By MARGIE THOMSON

Definitely one for the fans, this collection of writings by former MP and now goat farmer and feminist ideologue Waring spans the years since she left parliament in 1984, up to last year, although in subject she ranges back in time as far as her early childhood in Taupiri.

She includes almost 40 of the pieces she wrote for the Listener in the five years after 1984 - "Letters To My Sisters" her column was called, which these days sounds cringingly outdated but usefully places Waring in the political spectrum - and others written since then.

Her articles cover many contemporary themes and indicate her abiding interest in international affairs, feminist issues, politics and, of course, life on the farm.

She's at her best when she leaves herself behind; at her worst when pontificating. Sometimes she is surprisingly clunky and simplistic, but for her role in the snap election of 1984, which brought an end to the government of Robert Muldoon, it seems we will forgive her anything.

Bridget Williams Books

$34.95