Khaki Town in Aussie Readers

Oct 04, 2019 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, arc, own-read, reviewing-by-request, aussie-authors, sent-by-publisher, 2019-release

March 1942 in Townsville, North Queensland, and it was about to become inundated by US soldiers. Val Callahan owned The Brown’s Hotel where the soldiers and locals congregated for a drink and some company. The Australian soldiers were jealous of their American counterparts as they had more money and benefits than them; the local girls were more than happy to have the attention of the Yanks and the chocolates, nylons and all that came with it.

Val had no hesitation in allowing black and white sol March 1942 in Townsville, North Queensland, and it was about to become inundated by US soldiers. Val Callahan owned The Brown’s Hotel where the soldiers and locals congregated for a drink and some company. The Australian soldiers were jealous of their American counterparts as they had more money and benefits than them; the local girls were more than happy to have the attention of the Yanks and the chocolates, nylons and all that came with it.

Val had no hesitation in allowing black and white soldiers to drink at her bar – men were men after all, no matter the colour of their skin. But the white US soldiers were used to subservience from the blacks and the anger was slowly rising. The black soldiers’ camp was out of town – Kelso – and after a series of fights in town, they were banned from leaving their camp; banned from going into town and having the entertainment and refreshments the men needed after a hard days’ work.

The riot was brutal, violent and deadly – the reason for the riot was a complex one based purely on racism, hatred and anger. But as the story evolved it was obvious to some that it would all be covered up. Would the truth ever be told?

Khaki Town by Aussie author Judy Nunn is another brilliant historical novel which in this case is based on factual events. The author mentions Khaki Town is about racism and she purposely hasn’t softened the talk. The language is true to the times which is needed for authenticity. All characters are fictional, except for the four American historical figures; some of the events mentioned did happen. I was totally engrossed in this novel, both fascinated and repelled at what was happening. The kindness, caring, love and beautiful music was one side of the coin, while the bullying, the brutality, the cruel taunting – the other. Khaki Town is extremely well-written by an author who has obviously done her research. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
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Jun 29, 2021 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, cultural-australia, australian, 2019-release-aussie-author, australian-women-writers, read-in-2021, australian-author, australian-fiction, aus-women-writer, 2021-better-reading-list

My first Judy Nunn novel, and I don't think it will be the last.
Fabulous story-telling and likable characters.
I had no idea about the race riots between African American soldiers and their white Officers, in Far North Qld. Nor about Lyndon Johnson's time spent there. Nunn really knows how to write an empathetic story and weave our way to the crux of it, while protecting our hearts, through some of the more difficult moments.
I came to this because I wanted to know more of the rich history of T ...more

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Nov 01, 2019 Janine rated it really liked it

Judy Nunn's latest offering switches to Townsville during the 1940's and tells the story about the importation of US troops to Australia including African-american soldiers. This story is fiction but based on fact about the blatant racism there between the american soldiers and the consequences thereafter. So hard to believe that there was still so much hatred between Negros and white. A great depiction of Australia during those times when the 'yanks' came to town. A master story-teller which ha ...more

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Mar 05, 2020 Tanya rated it it was amazing

Khaki Town is the story of American soldiers in Townsville during WWII. Whilst segregation was still enforced in the US, in Australia the same rules didn't apply. This caused tension amongst the troops, resulting in the murder of black soliders.

In true Nunn style, it's told from various perspectives - Val, the local publican, Betty, one of her barmaids, Amelia Sanderson, a war widow who teaches soldiers to read and write, Aunty Edie, an Aboriginal woman who runs a local laundry. Then there are t ...more

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Jan 22, 2022 Gyl rated it really liked it

Fictional story with a historical background about American troops in Townsville in the 1940's and the events surrounding a mutiny caused by mistreatment of negro soldiers. Good story telling, an enjoyable easy read. ...more

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