Malcolm Turnbull’s memoir will be Christmas gift to the nation

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull’s writing is described as “immediate and intelligent, infused with a wry humour and illuminated by extracts from a diary he kept throughout his political career”. Picture: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Malcolm Turnbull has written a memoir, and to the great relief of the bruised Coalition, it’s not due out until after the election.

Hardie Grant Books — a small imprint run by an old friend of the former prime minister — made the announcement today.

“Hardie Grant Books acquired world rights for Turnbull’s memoir in late 2018 and will publish globally in late 2019, the statement said.

‘Hardie Grant is proud to be working with Malcolm, who has had unique access to national and international issues and figures in his political and working life,’ says Sandy Grant, Hardie Grant Publishing chief executive officer.

Turnbull and Grant worked closely together in 1987 on a legal battle with the British government, which had attempted to block the publication of the best-selling book Spycatcher.

They collaborated again in 1999 on Turnbull’s book on the republic referendum, Fighting for the Republic. Mr Turnbull said it was great to be working with Sandy again.

To the nervousness of many, the memoir is being described as “an exceptionally candid and compelling account” of Turnbull’s time in politics.

“ It will also describe his early life and successful career across law, investment and banking, including the high-profile characters and controversies he encountered in more than two decades of business,” the statement said.

Turnbull will revisit some spectacular clashes with the late Kerry Packer; his dealings with Donald Trump — who famously got his name wrong — and, he says, with Rupert Murdoch, who has rejected Turnbull’s many complaints about how the media did him in.

He also intends to talk about his Mum who abandoned the family when he was a small boy.

Turnbull’s decision to go with an old friend in publishing will disappoint Australia’s “big five” publishing houses, which would likely have paid upwards of $500,000 for the rights.

Turnbull doesn’t need the money, but books by former PMs have proven lucrative.

John Howard sold more than 180,000 copies of his post-Bennelong book, and Julia Gillard tome also sold extremely well.

A book by former Opposition leader Mark Latham was one of the best-selling titles ever published by Louise Adler at Melbourne University Press.

“Malcolm’s writing is immediate and intelligent, infused with a wry humour and illuminated by extracts from a diary he kept throughout his political career,” said publisher, Arwen Summers.

“From page one the book is entertaining, sophisticated and provocative, and we see Malcolm as we have never seen him before.’

Mr Turnbull said: “The only thing that is more fun than writing an adventure story is living it. I love stories, and love telling them. And this time I am telling my own — an Australian adventure.”