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Tony Hughes-d'Aeth, Professor, Chair of Australian Literature, The University of Western Australia

A classical espionage novel with shades of Le Carré, The Idealist explores the tumultuous path to East Timorese independence

East Timor Henry Hunt East Timorese Australia Timor United States Espionage John Howard Suharto
Baucau, Timor-Leste. Thomas Vuillemin/Unsplash

The Idealist is the eighth novel by respected Australian writer and academic Nick Jose. Set in the turbulent period leading up to the referendum for East Timorese self-determination in 1999, the novel has the form of a political thriller, albeit one that remains restrained and meditative.

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