Notability
Two Weeks with the Queen was published during a time of change in Australia, particularly economic and political change. Then Prime Minister Paul Keating announced the recession on 29 November – the economic struggles of average families is described in the early chapters of the book, such as when Colin’s parents cannot afford to buy him a Christmas gift that he 'wants', and instead give him something that he ‘needs’ - sensible school shoes, which go unappreciated.
AIDS was a growing concern in Australia. Two Weeks with the Queen was published only three years after the prominent 'Grim Reaper' public service announcements, and is significant for addressing the issue. Although it presents a homosexual man with a partner dying of the disease, it humanises Ted and presents his plight as very real, significant, and similar to Colin's struggle with his brother's illness. In 1987, the first hospital for AIDS sufferers was opened by Princess Diana - her hands-on approach contrasting vastly with the absence of the Queen in the text.
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