Six Bob a Day Tourist

by Janet Morice

THIS IS THE STORY OF A FAMILY'S STRUGGLE FOR PEACE DURING THE YEARS 1914-18 PTE. THOMAS GARDNERWROTE OFTEN TO HISSISTER, MABEL, DURING THE FOUR YEARS HE SERVED WITH THE A.I.F. IN EGYPT, GALLIPOLI AND FRANCE. MABEL, THROUGH THE NEWLY FORMED SISTERHOOD OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE (LATER TO BECOME THE WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL FOR PEACE ANDFREEDOM) ACTIVELY OPPOSED CONSCRIPTION. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE ARMISTICE, THOMASDIED. THROUGH HIS LETTERS, AND MABEL'S DIARIES AND MEMORABLIA, WE CAN GLIMPSE SOME OF THE ANGUISH OF WORLD WAR I AND ITS AFFECT ON ORDINARY PEOPLE.

Paperback

Published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in an easy, engaged style this book tells of Private Thomas Gardner, aged 33 AIF soldier during WWI, and his sister Mabel back in Melbourne who was heavily involved in the peace movement. The author, Mabel's granddaughter, presents Thomas' letters to his family back home chronologically, documenting his gradual disillusionment with the war. At the same time, Mabel's anti-war activities are explored and contextualized.
A short book and an easy read that complicates the view of the family 'back home'

For my full review, see:
https://residentjudge.wordpress.com/2...