A big call, but probably the best Australian book that I've ever read. It brings to life the Gallipoli and then Western Front campaigns of the First World War, and particularly the Australian contribution which, as we all know, was significant in both theatres.
Mostly revolving around two brothers from rural Western Australia, Jonathan and Joseph White, as well as their friends, loves and comrades, the story stretches from the early days of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign through some of the most vicious battles Australians were involved in on the Western Front in France and Belgium, to the armistice, and from the very first page, it is authentic, gripping, sad, uplifting and brilliant in peeling back the layers of detail from text books and histories to tell a deeply personal story of men in the trenches, experiencing and surviving the horrors of the Great War.
I'd go so far as to say it's the perfect homage/tribute to their generation of ANZAC diggers who left Australian shores to fight in a war in which they had no real business (aside from ties to England) being involved in. How ironic that our volunteer army was responsible for some great feats throughout. Long may the legacy of those great men be remembered, celebrated and commemorated.
A rich part of the history of our great country has been brought vividly to life by Hague, who balances romances with events on the battlefield, with plenty of Australian humour thrown in. I can't recommend this book enough. Go and read it!
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