If you've ever wondered how the Wehrmacht, the military of Nazi Germany, maintained its machine-like momentum during WWII, look no further than this nIf you've ever wondered how the Wehrmacht, the military of Nazi Germany, maintained its machine-like momentum during WWII, look no further than this non-fiction work by Norman Ohler. Through meticulous archival research, Ohler has uncovered evidence of the authorised systemic use of methamphetamine and cocaine to keep fighting soldiers alert and relentless for days (and nights) on end. The medical notes of the Führer's personal physician, Dr Theodor Morell, provide glimpses of the mental state of the Nazi leader, who, despite propaganda claims of physical health and purity, became the worst drug addict of them all. Originally written in German, the book is full of facts and references but it reads as easily as a novel, thanks to the author's and the translator's expertise. ...more
A comprehensive biographical analysis of the similarities and differences between two of the twentieth century's most notorious dictators, Nazi GermanA comprehensive biographical analysis of the similarities and differences between two of the twentieth century's most notorious dictators, Nazi Germany's Adolf Hitler and his Soviet adversary, Joseph Stalin. Based on meticulous research, this 460-page tome is eminently readable. At times I found the subject matter rather dry, but that was more a reflection of this reader's taste - I'm no military historian - than of the author's skill. Highly recommended for writers of historical fiction, like myself, who wish to comprehend the political, ethical, moral, and social nightmare that was WWII in Europe. ...more
I really wanted to like this novel as the premise sounded intriguing. However, the telling of the tale and the writing were confusing, jumped around eI really wanted to like this novel as the premise sounded intriguing. However, the telling of the tale and the writing were confusing, jumped around everywhere, and did not resonate with or engage this reader. After persevering for 100 pages, I decided to give it a miss....more
An inspirational true story about a German migrant couple, who overcome enormous obstacles and adversity to create a successful enterprise out of nothAn inspirational true story about a German migrant couple, who overcome enormous obstacles and adversity to create a successful enterprise out of nothing in the Australian outback. While hard work, courage, and resilience are key features, there is a sadder story underneath. A story of desperate and stoic silence which, left unheeded, has dire consequences for individuals and their families. While the story is squarely Frauke's, the author is Sue Smethurst, a well-known journalist and ghostwriter specializing in memoirs of ordinary people who've lived extraordinary lives. Their partnership in writing is an excellent fit. The memoir feels completely genuine and is a compelling read from start to finish....more
Commentary on the rise of China and the impact on the rest of the world, in particular Australia. Author, Geoff Raby AO, was Australia's ambassador toCommentary on the rise of China and the impact on the rest of the world, in particular Australia. Author, Geoff Raby AO, was Australia's ambassador to China (2007-11) and is an undisputed authority in the field. China's strategies to maintain and advance its global position such as the Belts and Roads initiative are explained, as are its two historical goals: to defend its territorial integrity, and to protect the CPC as China's legitimate ruling party. Raby raises concerns about Australia's response to the rise of China, which he views as lacking in direction and strategy, over-reliant on USA support, and low on diplomacy. For example, we need to be able to 'disappoint' China without offending it as we have done in recent times. Not an easy read, but a book that gives clarity to our current nexus with China and asks important questions about the future....more
Convict-era historical fiction based on the true story of the daring escape of Mary Bryant (and others) in an open boat from Sydney Cove to Kupang, TiConvict-era historical fiction based on the true story of the daring escape of Mary Bryant (and others) in an open boat from Sydney Cove to Kupang, Timor. The known aspects of Mary's life, which are rather sketchy, are well embedded in the fictional retelling. Jenny Trelawney (Mary) is a plausible eighteenth-century convict woman. The trials and tribulations of those tough times are well-depicted. The use of language, in general, reflects the era. However, for characters who are, in the main, illiterate and uneducated, the dialogue is rather too eloquent. After her return to England, Jenny acquires a wealthy benefactor. From there, the story takes a 'Pygmalion' turn that leads to an odd fairytale ending. Why? In the author's own words, 'I wrote for Jenny the ending I feel Mary deserves.' Is this approach justified? Few details are known about the real Mary Bryant, so ... why not?...more
Having read all of Jane Harper's previous novels and enjoyed them, I was looking forward to the latest. As usual it is an enjoyable and easy read, theHaving read all of Jane Harper's previous novels and enjoyed them, I was looking forward to the latest. As usual it is an enjoyable and easy read, the setting on the Tasmanian coast is authentic, and the storyline is predictably unpredictable. However, there is an emergence of a formula to the author's work which is bothersome. Harper is a very good writer. Perhaps she needs to expand her vision beyond pedestrian crime stories....more
Inspired by family history, this novel is an easy and enjoyable read. Yes, the content can be somewhat harrowing at times, but nevertheless an interesInspired by family history, this novel is an easy and enjoyable read. Yes, the content can be somewhat harrowing at times, but nevertheless an interesting perspective of WWII in Europe....more
Beautifully put together, this visual history shows through paintings, cartoons, photographs what happened to a shipload of German, Italian, and JewisBeautifully put together, this visual history shows through paintings, cartoons, photographs what happened to a shipload of German, Italian, and Jewish men - most of whom were refugees from Nazi Germany - who were transported from Great Britain to internment camps in country NSW and Victoria. Fascinating reading and highly recommended for anyone interested in alternative versions of WWII in Australia....more
Enjoyable read about the attempts of a Sydney wine merchant to cash-in on a piece of forgotten European history. However, all the while I was reading,Enjoyable read about the attempts of a Sydney wine merchant to cash-in on a piece of forgotten European history. However, all the while I was reading, I had niggling in the back of my head the moral dilemma of 'rescuing' antique wines (for a sizeable profit) versus 'stealing' part of a nation's history....more
Re-read this masterpiece novella as an adult -the first time was as a student - and loved it as much as I did years ago. A literary triumph and a deliRe-read this masterpiece novella as an adult -the first time was as a student - and loved it as much as I did years ago. A literary triumph and a delight to read....more
**spoiler alert** I thoroughly enjoyed almost all of this novel. The exception was the 'Easy Rider' ending, when the central character exits by means **spoiler alert** I thoroughly enjoyed almost all of this novel. The exception was the 'Easy Rider' ending, when the central character exits by means of a sudden and convenient death. The epilogue was unnecessary; it felt contrived in order to promote a delightful story into contemporary relevance....more
Love this author's writing. Authentic characters within a realistic historical setting. Nails the Australian outback landscape.Love this author's writing. Authentic characters within a realistic historical setting. Nails the Australian outback landscape....more
Lionel Schriver's writing is bound to be controversial. This one, however, I found exhausting from start to finish. Yes, I did finish it. It might as Lionel Schriver's writing is bound to be controversial. This one, however, I found exhausting from start to finish. Yes, I did finish it. It might as well have been me running that impossible triathlon. Perhaps I deserve a medal....more
My first foray into Alexander McCall Smith's work. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and his writing style, which is a delight to read.My first foray into Alexander McCall Smith's work. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and his writing style, which is a delight to read....more
Based on meticulous research about WWII in Brisbane, however the novel is clearly intended to be a crime mystery. For this genre, the pace of the narrBased on meticulous research about WWII in Brisbane, however the novel is clearly intended to be a crime mystery. For this genre, the pace of the narrative is lacking and the characters are unengaging and confusing....more
Beautiful writing by Kate Grenville, as usual. However, the 'lost diary' aspect of the novel was concealed until the very end, which made the reading Beautiful writing by Kate Grenville, as usual. However, the 'lost diary' aspect of the novel was concealed until the very end, which made the reading somewhat confusing. Fact or fiction? Was this a clever idea or a cruel trick?...more
Re-read this twentieth-century classic recently, and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Great writing, imaginative, and intuitive to post-war chaRe-read this twentieth-century classic recently, and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Great writing, imaginative, and intuitive to post-war changes facing the world in 1948, the year it was written....more
Non-fiction about Allied officers held at the impregnable Colditz Castle as prisoners of war during WWII. Well-written, shocking and amusing in equal Non-fiction about Allied officers held at the impregnable Colditz Castle as prisoners of war during WWII. Well-written, shocking and amusing in equal portions. A great read....more
While I loved 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz', I could not finish 'Cilka's Journey'. Too harrowing and depressing. Yes, I know it is about the Holocaust,While I loved 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz', I could not finish 'Cilka's Journey'. Too harrowing and depressing. Yes, I know it is about the Holocaust, but this book did not have the same sense of hope that permeated the first....more
After reading 'The Natural Way of Things' and finding it hard going, I thought I'd give Charlotte Wood another go. Although 'The Weekend' was not as dAfter reading 'The Natural Way of Things' and finding it hard going, I thought I'd give Charlotte Wood another go. Although 'The Weekend' was not as depressing as the previous novel, I can't help but wonder why an author has to focus on the sad, ugly, grimy, infuriating side of every character and storyline. Competent writing but not to my taste....more
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