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171st out of 555 books
—
644 voters
Kokoda
For Australians, Kokoda is the iconic battle of World War II, yet few people know the names of the men who fought on the track, or even the details of what happened. More Australians died in the months of fighting in Papua, than in any other campaign of World War II.
Now bestselling author Peter FitzSimons tells the Kokoda story in a gripping, and moving, style for all Aus...more
Now bestselling author Peter FitzSimons tells the Kokoda story in a gripping, and moving, style for all Aus...more
Paperback, 490 pages
Published
July 2004
by Hodder Headline Australia
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A partisan, populist and polemical paen of praise for the privates and corporals who fought on the Kokoda Track, and simultaneously a critical condemnation of the commanders.
In FitzSimons' simple narrative the heroes are the good Aussie blokes, salt of the Earth, transplanted from Australia's cities and country towns to the jungle of PNG. The villains are not the Japanese South Seas Force but the remote, aloof and self-serving leadership of Blamey and Macarthur.
The book is a great and very enter...more
In FitzSimons' simple narrative the heroes are the good Aussie blokes, salt of the Earth, transplanted from Australia's cities and country towns to the jungle of PNG. The villains are not the Japanese South Seas Force but the remote, aloof and self-serving leadership of Blamey and Macarthur.
The book is a great and very enter...more
I think this book told me truths I had known nothing about in this part of the 2nd world war it should be compulsory reading for the young people of today it would show them what our fighting men had to endure.
Peter Fitzsimmons puts you right in the story there were times while reading this the tears rolled down my face as quickly as i roared with delight at one off our wins set against one of the hardest fought parts of the war for Australian troops our troops had to endure wearing dessert Unif...more
Peter Fitzsimmons puts you right in the story there were times while reading this the tears rolled down my face as quickly as i roared with delight at one off our wins set against one of the hardest fought parts of the war for Australian troops our troops had to endure wearing dessert Unif...more
This was a great overview of the Australian struggle with the Japanese in New Guines in WW2. People don't realise how much we owe to these poorly trained, poorly equipped, over stretched and outnumbered men. No book can ever describe with any real accuracy the diificulties, the suffering, the agonies and the brutality of this episode in Australian history but this one gives a good taste. Thank god that Damien Parer and Chester Wilmott were there lest the efforts of these common yet uncommonly co...more
For Australians, Kokoda is the iconic battle of World War II, yet few people know the names of the men who fought on the track, or even the details of what happened. More Australians died in the months of fighting in Papua, than in any other campaign of World War II.
Now bestselling author Peter FitzSimons tells the Kokoda story in a gripping, and moving, style for all Australians. Kokoda was a defining battle for Australia, where a small force of young, ill-equipped Australians engaged a highly...more
Now bestselling author Peter FitzSimons tells the Kokoda story in a gripping, and moving, style for all Australians. Kokoda was a defining battle for Australia, where a small force of young, ill-equipped Australians engaged a highly...more
I was keen to find out more about Kokoda. I am planning on doing the trek next year and wanted to absorb the history from WWII
The book gave a great idea of how tough the soldiers had it. Poor leadership from General Blaimey is highlighted throughout the book and General Douglas McArthur certainly is portrayed in a poor light. There were plenty of stories of horrific battles and the terrible conditions and privations soldiers from both sides endured.
Although the book is jingoistic I think the cou...more
The book gave a great idea of how tough the soldiers had it. Poor leadership from General Blaimey is highlighted throughout the book and General Douglas McArthur certainly is portrayed in a poor light. There were plenty of stories of horrific battles and the terrible conditions and privations soldiers from both sides endured.
Although the book is jingoistic I think the cou...more
An emotional read, I have never thought about death in the way this book made me, it wasn't so much the loss of a brave soldier but the hurt in their loved ones that resonated and at times generated tears. Losses tragically mourned by the friends who fought along their fallen mates, by mothers & fathers helpless at home with an officious and brief telegram, and of wives and children with their lives forever changed.
I learned a lot about the Australian involvement in WWII, the partriotic lead...more
I learned a lot about the Australian involvement in WWII, the partriotic lead...more
Jan 07, 2008
Jerry Hooper
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
All Australians, and those who would like to know more about World War 2 in the Pacific
This book is a must read for all Australians. If you really want to know about the real coming of age of Australia as a fighting force you must know about the Australians fighting in New Guinea during World War 2. This soldiers were poorly equiped, under trained and fighting in the most difficult conditions known to man. They were often brilliantly led in the field, but let down very badly by the officers of high command.
General Blamey, much decorated in the European, Middle East and North Afri...more
General Blamey, much decorated in the European, Middle East and North Afri...more
Ugh. I didn't get very far. Do you know how there are non-fiction books that read like novels? The story is so compelling that the facts stick. This is a novel that reads like a history book, a list of facts strung together in sentences and paragraphs. Just kept zoning out, like in a dry history class.
Seemed like one of those self help books that stretched a simple concept into a full book. Some informality in the writing seemed disingenous... like aren't I the cook writer to use slang. Aussie rah-rah is a bit much at times.
Peter has written about one of the greatest AIF battles and the people in it. A must read for anyone wanting to understand Australian values and beating the odds.
Another great look at the often maligned Australian army during World War Two. The sheer brutality of the Kokoda Track Campaign is captured in these pages.
Jun 20, 2011
Laurel Lamperd
added it
Excellent book. The story of young Australian soldiers fighting the Japanese in New Guinea in 1942. Men should love it.
The book is a well-written account on the life of a soldier in Kokoda. It is inspirational and a very good book.
Peter Fitzsimons has a great writing style and I enjoy his books. I could almost feel the leeches as I read this book.
It's inconceivable what tough men endured to secure freedom! Lest we forget, a must read!
Greatly admired his book on Tobruk. This is just an outstanding read!
A remarkable book! A must read for all Australians to really appreciate what took place in New Guinea in WWII.
Some good story telling clouded by personal agenda
Fills a place in Aussie history well worth knowing.
Brillliant....very close to my heart!
a powerful history
Lots of people said how good Kokoda is. and Im sure for lots they thoroughly enjoyed it. I, however, think that it was rather hard to read, with the story jumping around from character to character and almost an overload of facts that made it hard to concentrate on the story. I really wanted to be able to say i read it, but I actually found I struggled with getting into the story and continuing that I gave up on reading it 3 chapters in, after it taking me over two months to get to that point.
Not a book I would normally choose though I admit once I got into it I could not put it down. Peter Fitzsimon's makes you feel like you are an observer to this most atrocious war. I like how he added some of the Japanese's observations of the Diggers and also does not hold back on blame for the continuous mistakes made by the hierarchy. I really glad I read it and can now appreciate what went on up there.
May 18, 2013
Sally
is currently reading it
May 15, 2013
Ian Renshaw
marked it as to-read
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kokoda | 1 | 5 | Dec 23, 2007 01:15am |
Peter FitzSimons is one of Australia’s most prominent and successful media and publishing identities. His busy professional life involves co-hosting the breakfast program on Sydney's Radio 2UE, writing weekly columns for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun Herald newspapers, appearing on Foxtel's Back Page television show and, when time permits, authoring best-selling books. A correspondent for Lond...more
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Jan 17, 2011 01:31pm