Tag Archives: WWII

My review of ‘The Proxy Bride’ by Zoe Boccabella

The Proxy Bride by Zoe Boccabella My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is the third of Zoe Boccabella’s books that I have read, and the one that I enjoyed the most. Her other two are non-fiction/memoir, whereas ‘The Proxy … Continue reading

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A compelling tale of war and love in the Russian winter of 1941

The Tolstoy Estate by Steven Conte My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is one WWII historical novel that deserves attention. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and with a cast of interesting but flawed characters, Conte masters the ‘feel’ of a … Continue reading

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An intriguing novel about WWII intrigue

The Imitator by Rebecca Starford My rating: 4 of 5 stars An enjoyable novel about the role of women in WWII espionage. By the author’s own admission, the characters are in the main invented and the story is loosely true, … Continue reading

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Review of ‘Still Life’ by Sarah Winman

Still Life by Sarah Winman My rating: 4 of 5 stars I fell in love, and then out of love, with this novel. The writing – which utilizes an expansive vocabulary that had me reaching for the dictionary – is … Continue reading

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What was it like in a WWII internment camp?

A rare first-hand chronicle of internment that sheds new light on Australia’s wartime history. Mr Koike’s diary, which survived despite all odds, is beautifully translated and edited. Continue reading

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WWII in pictures: the voyage of the notorious ‘Dunera’

Dunera Lives: A Visual History by Jay Winter My rating: 5 of 5 stars Beautifully curated, this visual history shows through paintings, cartoons, photographs what happened to a shipload of German, Italian, and Jewish men – most of whom were … Continue reading

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An unusual take on WWII espionage

Warlight by Michael Ondaatje My rating: 5 of 5 stars A beautifully-written historical novel, from start to finish. For someone who likes to write, such as me, the use of language is inspirational. Delightful and succinct descriptions abound, e.g. ‘we … Continue reading

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My year as a research fellow …

My 12-month research fellowship with the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) has now ended and what a wonderful experience it was! While I learnt a lot about my topic, I learnt even more about myself. If you’d like to find … Continue reading

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