The Broken Years: Australian Soldiers in the Great War

by Bill Gammage

Containing the diaries and letters of more than 1,000 Australian soldiers who served in World War I, this collection vividly reconstructs the valor and tragedy of their experience. The reasons behind the Great War and its profound effect on the attitudes and ideals of Australia are intertwined with intimate personal details in this beautifully constructed narrative.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War, Australia, Historical, Military Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This superb book records the actions of Australian soldiers 1914-1918 on Gallipoli, in Palestine and in France. Clear and straightforward narrative describes time spent in action and out of action. It is profusely illustrated with maps and photographs, some in positions of real danger.
The narrative is supported by the letters and diaries of the soldiers. These are well-selected and interwoven with the text, giving a true picture of the ordeal of battle.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is classic Australian military history. Australian soldier's letters from the First World War are well organised by the author and tell the story of war and combat better than anyone else is able to. First rate!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for uni assignment.

[Pamela King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the one that originally got my interest in the Australians in World War I. It's references to the origin of the quotations especially the age of the soldier and what happened to them makes it so much more real than the average history book. Thank you Bill Gammage for instilling a passion ini me I will always be proud of.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fascinating insight into the mind's of Australia's soldiers in WW1.

[Peter Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive work of Australian's in their own words engaged in WW1. A book every Australian should read and own.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author was new to me and I really enjoyed this lovely enemies to lovers, marriage by scandal story with its nice plot, some steam, a touch of intrigue and endearing characters.
I loved the chemistry between them, the sensual tension between them kept growing as the story progressed.
I’m sure to add the author on my TBR list.

When James' sister elopes and marries against the wishes of her family, he is certain that Evelina and her salon have supported her.

James has been the bane of her existence for some time now. Although Evelina feels strongly attracted to him, she tries to keep her distance from the rake, who always turns up wherever she is, pursues her mercilessly and tries to seduce her.

When James confronts Evelina and kisses her, they are caught. Now she has to marry the man she can't even stand. But she always wanted to marry for love and keeps her husband at arm's length, not willing to succumb to his charm. And additionally, rumors about them are circulating amidst the ton and threaten to destroy their budding relationship…

If you like swooning rakes and determined heroines, you are sure to enjoy this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot as part of a series. While it can stand alone, reading about the other Grace sisters may deepen the readers enjoyment. Evalina is the last Grace daughter, who has a mind of her own and is determined to fight for what she wants. Her friend, Daisy, went off and married someone the family didn't approve of. So James, Daisy's brother, believes Evalina had something to do with it. This is what makes it interesting. His family, however is horrible to Evalina and it took me a good long while to warm up to James as well. Fast moving and engaging. This author brings the reader around to embracing both the main characters which is a unique talent.

[Amos O'Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, and yet it made me so proud of Australia's ANZACs. A brilliant idea to list the contributors at the bottom of each page with the details of their fate. So bloody tragic. Every mongrel politician and statesman should be made to read this before they ever even dare to think about sending their citizens off to war.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just another rake.

Yawn. I'm so over rakes. James is just another rake, trying to get under the skirts of Evelina. Due to his machinations, they are forced to wed. She has her conditions. He has his.
I just would really like better male leads than another rake.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting in the extreme. Good insight also into the social aspects of Australia both before and after the Great War. The horrors experienced those Australians who fought in world war 1.