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The Spinoff
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
A Jacinda Ardern biographer reviews Jacinda Ardern's memoir
Having written a whole book on her life, Madeleine Chapman reviews Jacinda Ardern's version of events. This book was always going to have one unsolvable tension: Jacinda Ardern as politician vs Jacinda Ardern as global celebrity. I figured A Different Kind of Power would either veer political and therefore be cloaked in Ardern's usual restraint as a prime minister or it would veer celebrity and reveal the full emotion and drama behind the politician while conveniently brushing over policy and legacy. Somehow it did neither. An early and necessary disclaimer: I have written and had published a book about Jacinda Ardern's life and career. The names are similar (A New Kind of Leader vs A Different Kind of Power), the covers share the same design template and the blurbs offer the same promise: an insight into the 'real' Jacinda Ardern and what it means to be an empathetic leader. Both books were written and published with an international audience in mind, one in 2020 and the other just yesterday. The difference in our books is that Ardern had no involvement in mine – I couldn't even convince her to confirm whether or not she drank Fanta as a child, such was her refusal to participate (though interestingly it is raised in her memoir and still not confirmed). Instead I did what all assigned biographers do: I collected all publicly-available material, spoke to the few acquaintances willing to share stories, and cobbled them together for an international audience. All this to say that I was particularly excited to read A Different Kind of Power to find out all the moments I horribly misrepresented as someone who had no access to Ardern's mind while writing her life story. I wanted to learn the internal monologue behind the speeches I was only able to transcribe; the political arguments behind decisions I could only explain after the fact; and the emotions behind the dramatic moments I did my best to describe as if I was there. Much to my disappointment, there was a surprising amount of overlap. Ardern's memoir spends a long time (at least a third of the book) on her life before she's even become a politician, and it works to, at times clunkily, foreshadow her later career decisions. There are detailed accounts of growing up very young in Murupara, with some cloying observations of poverty and hardship that allegedly turned her political at the age of six. But just as quickly the tone is saved by a genuinely compelling and evocative chapter on her mum Laurell and her nervous breakdown. Throughout the book but particularly during her early chapters, Ardern lays out the key people in her life with a refreshing care and attention. As should be expected in one's own memoir, each character ultimately serves to help explain why Ardern is the way she is now. Her mother's struggles as a young parent reveal the complexities of motherhood and the importance of a village. Her aunt Marie is a window to a caring world not dictated by religion. And her best friend's brother Theo's tragic death by suicide as a teenager serves as a catalyst for both Ardern as a future politician and questioner of her own religion. Writing supporting roles in memoirs is an inherently selfish act, but one that Ardern executes better than most. She gives her loved ones pep and emotion, anger and depression, conservatism and humanity, all at once. I would have gladly read another five pages dedicated to Laurell's life as a young mother in a tiny town, deeply depressed and doing whatever it takes (in her case, trout fishing unsuccessfully in silence for hours at a time) to get by. I would pay money to see a movie on the life of Ardern's aunt Marie, who was severely burned as a child and strutted influentially through Ardern's childhood and young adulthood like a swearing Mary Poppins. I had tears in my eyes reading about Theo and his death, having only been introduced to him half a chapter earlier. These early portraits set the scene for an equally nuanced, flawed and messy perspective on her own life as an adult, but as she so often did as a prime minister, Ardern doesn't give nearly enough away. It takes a certain rare skill to be able to zoom out from one's life just enough to see what's most interesting. To play the part of your own first witness. Very few public figures have it, and it's why the best 'memoirs' are those entrusted almost entirely to ghostwriters (think Agassi's Open, written by JR Moehringer). A public figure unleashing every thought and memory out of their head and into someone else's, whose job is to find the best parts. Ardern has never been someone willing to let every thought out, and I can't imagine she would have entrusted the telling of her story to anyone else. With a career defined almost entirely by restraint, poise and effective communications, it was perhaps too much to hope for an unfiltered memoir. There are of course lovely insights into her life as a prime minister and new mother. The moments that are simply presented, rather than analysed, are the most compelling. Perhaps the most fascinating for me (though apparently not for any other reviewers) was the farcical charade required to keep her early pregnancy a secret, even from her security detail. A fake visit to see a 'friend', complete with handbag and bottle of wine, that was in fact an obstetrician ready to do her first ultrasound, was a fun and sadly rare break from the expected fare. Similarly, her straightforward recounting of struggling with breastfeeding and, eventually, her breast cancer scare that led to the classic burnout trope of wondering if falling ill would mean she had an excuse to leave her job. These moments are simply walked through, rather than wrung out for meaning and mottos, and I could have done with a lot more of that approach. There are hints scattered throughout showing where A Different Kind of Power could have gone if Ardern had taken a more, well, transparent approach. Frequent mentions of feeling 'boiling rage' at a situation as a child or 'fuming' at Australian PM Scott Morrison as a leader are immediately diluted by the calm, reasonable actions that follow. And that would be illustrating her thesis nicely except there is no outlet. After the fifth mention of anger/rage/fuming, I expected it to culminate in a private moment of release. Who knows, a thrown mug or a screaming match or something. But no. She feels the rage, she suppresses it, she moves on. And when she finds it slipping through, even a little bit, she knows it's time to leave politics. Even in this book years later, she does not permit herself any form of emotion beyond acknowledging that at some point in the past she felt anger. It leaves you wondering whether she has a lot of anger she needs to work through now or whether she grew up in such a tame, Mormon household (no swearing, no caffeine) that she equates general annoyance with steaming rage. Whichever the reality, I would have loved to read about it. If you were hoping for any reflection on political decisions (or lack thereof), you won't find them here. In fact, despite my own personal interest in such a thing, I found myself quite bored by the Covid chapters plonked at the end. It may have been because I was living in Auckland in 2021 and would rather not read about it, but mostly it was because after accepting that this was in fact a celebrity memoir, even the halfhearted attempts to very simply explain massive political moments felt out of place. Whether or not Ardern wrote this book herself (there is an 'editor' profusely thanked in the acknowledgements) is by the by. It is the story that she wanted to tell, or at least the parts of it she wanted to tell. Ardern ends her book by referring to herself as a 'speechwriter'. And her speeches are what have defined her career, whether impromptu or nervously rehearsed. But they're also deliberately limiting in what they offer. As a memoirist, Ardern has taken the same approach – offering just enough while still holding her cards close to her chest. It's an impressive move from someone who will now continue to be able to live a very private life while being extremely famous and a successful memoirist. But if we as an audience ever want to learn the intimate details of Ardern's political legacy or, separately, the true picture of her as a globally admired woman filled with anger and resolve, someone else will have to write it.
Rhyl Journal
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
New Coca-Cola Orange Cream spotted in UK for first time
The soft drink giant is known worldwide for its various drinks, including Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and the original Coca-Cola which comes in the iconic red can. Coke even comes in various flavours like vanilla, cherry and lime. The company is also responsible for a number of other brands, including Sprite, Fanta, Dr Pepper and Schweppes. Coca-Cola launched a new Orange Cream range in the US in February. Coca‑Cola Orange Cream and Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar Orange Cream are said to "infuse the timeless, deliciously refreshing taste of Coca‑Cola with a burst of the zesty-yet-smooth combo of orange and rich, creamy vanilla flavours". The new flavour is similar to Coca‑Cola Orange Vanilla, which was available from 2019 to 2022 before being discontinued due to "supply chain and marketing challenges" caused by COVID-19. It seems the new Coca-Cola flavour has now made its way over to the UK. Several shoppers have reported seeing Coca‑Cola Orange Cream in shops, including in Premier Stores. One person, posting a picture of the soft drink on the Facebook group Snack Reviews, said: "Coca Cola Orange Cream spotted at Premier store." Fans were quick to share their excitement about the discovery of the new Coke. Coca-Cola Orange Cream first launched in the US back in February. (Image: Coca-Cola) One person commented: "Thank god! My local shop did this during covid and stopped selling it. It's made a return!" Another fan added: "I don't typically like coke but I've never seen that and would have to try." While a third person said: "Need to find this and give it a try." But not everyone is convinced by the new flavour, with some labelling the new Coca-Cola Orange Cream "revolting". RECOMMENDED READING: Discontinued Coca-Cola flavour 'better than normal coke' returns to UK shops Coca-Cola 'sorry for any disappointment' as 2 of the 'best Cokes' are discontinued All the Coca-Cola discontinued drinks in the UK Best Coca-Cola soft drink revealed as Brits settle debate - do you agree? One person posted: "Not sure how I'd feel about this." Another added: "They can keep that." While this person commented: "Sounds revolting. Do you people survive off sugar or what?"
South Wales Argus
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
New Coca-Cola Orange Cream spotted in UK for first time
The soft drink giant is known worldwide for its various drinks, including Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and the original Coca-Cola which comes in the iconic red can. Coke even comes in various flavours like vanilla, cherry and lime. The company is also responsible for a number of other brands, including Sprite, Fanta, Dr Pepper and Schweppes. New Coca-Cola flavour spotted in UK stores for first time Coca-Cola launched a new Orange Cream range in the US in February. Coca‑Cola Orange Cream and Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar Orange Cream are said to "infuse the timeless, deliciously refreshing taste of Coca‑Cola with a burst of the zesty-yet-smooth combo of orange and rich, creamy vanilla flavours". The new flavour is similar to Coca‑Cola Orange Vanilla, which was available from 2019 to 2022 before being discontinued due to "supply chain and marketing challenges" caused by COVID-19. Discontinued UK sweets and chocolates It seems the new Coca-Cola flavour has now made its way over to the UK. Several shoppers have reported seeing Coca‑Cola Orange Cream in shops, including in Premier Stores. One person, posting a picture of the soft drink on the Facebook group Snack Reviews, said: "Coca Cola Orange Cream spotted at Premier store." Fans were quick to share their excitement about the discovery of the new Coke. Coca-Cola Orange Cream first launched in the US back in February. (Image: Coca-Cola) One person commented: "Thank god! My local shop did this during covid and stopped selling it. It's made a return!" Another fan added: "I don't typically like coke but I've never seen that and would have to try." While a third person said: "Need to find this and give it a try." But not everyone is convinced by the new flavour, with some labelling the new Coca-Cola Orange Cream "revolting". RECOMMENDED READING: One person posted: "Not sure how I'd feel about this." Another added: "They can keep that." While this person commented: "Sounds revolting. Do you people survive off sugar or what?"
North Wales Chronicle
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
New Coca-Cola Orange Cream spotted in UK for first time
The soft drink giant is known worldwide for its various drinks, including Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and the original Coca-Cola which comes in the iconic red can. Coke even comes in various flavours like vanilla, cherry and lime. The company is also responsible for a number of other brands, including Sprite, Fanta, Dr Pepper and Schweppes. Coca-Cola launched a new Orange Cream range in the US in February. Coca‑Cola Orange Cream and Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar Orange Cream are said to "infuse the timeless, deliciously refreshing taste of Coca‑Cola with a burst of the zesty-yet-smooth combo of orange and rich, creamy vanilla flavours". The new flavour is similar to Coca‑Cola Orange Vanilla, which was available from 2019 to 2022 before being discontinued due to "supply chain and marketing challenges" caused by COVID-19. It seems the new Coca-Cola flavour has now made its way over to the UK. Several shoppers have reported seeing Coca‑Cola Orange Cream in shops, including in Premier Stores. One person, posting a picture of the soft drink on the Facebook group Snack Reviews, said: "Coca Cola Orange Cream spotted at Premier store." Fans were quick to share their excitement about the discovery of the new Coke. Coca-Cola Orange Cream first launched in the US back in February. (Image: Coca-Cola) One person commented: "Thank god! My local shop did this during covid and stopped selling it. It's made a return!" Another fan added: "I don't typically like coke but I've never seen that and would have to try." While a third person said: "Need to find this and give it a try." But not everyone is convinced by the new flavour, with some labelling the new Coca-Cola Orange Cream "revolting". RECOMMENDED READING: Discontinued Coca-Cola flavour 'better than normal coke' returns to UK shops Coca-Cola 'sorry for any disappointment' as 2 of the 'best Cokes' are discontinued All the Coca-Cola discontinued drinks in the UK Best Coca-Cola soft drink revealed as Brits settle debate - do you agree? One person posted: "Not sure how I'd feel about this." Another added: "They can keep that." While this person commented: "Sounds revolting. Do you people survive off sugar or what?"
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
'I ditched Fanta and Sprite for zero-calorie drink now on sale for 70p per can'
DASH water is a flavoured sparkling water that's free of sugar, sweeteners and calories - and shoppers can get 30% off with a special code Tired of plain water and seeking to cut down on her consumption of sugary fizzy drinks, shopping writer Lucy was in search of a refreshing substitute that would still offer the same satisfaction as popping open a chilled can of Coke, Sprite or Fanta. That's when she stumbled upon DASH water at the supermarket. Since giving it a go, it's become a regular feature in her home fridge, providing a healthier choice that's far more thrilling than ordinary sparkling water. DASH water is a flavoured sparkling water, made with spring water and misshapen fruit as part of a drive to tackle food waste. Each can is devoid of sugar, sweeteners and calories, yet still delivers a fruity taste and fizz. As Lucy explained in the Liverpool Echo, she has tried various flavours, including lime, grapefruit, peach and raspberry. Imagine her delight when she discovered that the brand had launched a new cherry flavour just in time for summer. To celebrate the launch, new DASH Water customers can sample it for 30% off when they enter the code DSH30 at the checkout. This allows shoppers to grab a box of cans with nearly a third off, such as the sparkling water trial pack containing 16 330ml cans of peach, grapefruit, lime and raspberry flavours that's discounted to £17.49. Customers also have the option to create their own bespoke pack of 48 cans, selecting from the various flavours available. The normal price for this would be £48, but the discount code brings the cost down to £33.60, working out at 70p per can, as part of a subscription. While DASH Water has its fans, it may not be to everyone's taste, with some finding it too subtle, as noted by one reviewer who said "there just wasn't enough flavour in the water" for them. For those who prefer a stronger flavour, Twinings' sparkling tea, which combines raspberry lemonade with hibiscus, may be a better option, priced at £12.99 for 12 cans. Another alternative can be found on Amazon, where a 24-pack of Aqua Libra Sparkling Water in watermelon and strawberry flavour is available for £14.39. DASH Water has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars from over 1,000 customers. Reviewers have praised the drink, with one saying: "Very refreshing drinks and such great flavours. My favourite is orange and really quenches your thirst and so tasty. Bonus is no calories so can drink without having to count calories." A second happy buyer wrote: "Absolutely love my dash water. Favourites are peach, mango and lime. So refreshing and also make a great spritzer added to some white wine." Someone else commented: "Really refreshing. I have these instead of a can of Pepsi with lunch now and love it." Another five-star review reads: "I absolutely love these drinks. Lime and pink grapefruit are my favourite flavours. Buy 72 a month on a subscription and always drink them all. Five stars for sure."
