Australians: Flappers to Vietnam
Vol 3 of the series
By Thomas Keneally

Published by Allen & Unwin
http://www.allenandunwin.com
RRP $49.99 in hardback
ISBN 9781742374536

I realized that this excellent book had sat on my review shelf for far too long, so in the aftermath of being swamped by Gallipoli books, I thought I would give this one some much deserved air.

Given the period covered, much of the book is related to Australia’s involvement in World War 2 and the immediate post war communist threat.

Some reviewers have mentioned omissions (not much sport, for one) but Keneally at least has not overlooked the story of Albert Namatjira, an almost forgotten aboriginal artist eventually repudiated by the art establishment for following the European style in his watercolours yet feted in his heyday.

This book has been widely reviewed – I have linked here to The Sydney Morning Herald Review for those who like more detail.

Keneally brings a warm and authentic voice to his work. He is a much-admired Australian writer.