"Young lives ebb and flow...in sepia...there's a finality - the vertigo of war. Constant crescendo - interminably reprised. A syncopated beat, but never a melody. Bodies bludgeoned, devoured by chance and circumstance......Soldiers run past us, near us...through us......The cliffs loom like monsters......Utter chaos and confusion. The dawn germinates slowly. Water, like glass, slippery with blood."
Are you proud to be an Aussie? An admirer of the spirit of the bush? A fully fledged believer in young Australians? Do you lament the slow death of Aussie vernacular? Do you reckon ANZAC Day is sacred?
If you answered ‘YES’ to any of the above, it’s time to take a walk in the shoes of Buster Barrett. He’s in Year 10 and lives with his Nan and Pop in Chinchilla, Queensland. Inspired by two special people and that unique day in April, Buster gives young love and higher meaning a nudge…the result is a rollicking good yarn!
So get amongst Buster Barrett’s Gallipoli - you won’t regret it.
Every Aussie, young and old…should read this novel!
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‘It’s all kinds of wonderful. You’ve absolutely hit the mark. The tone is great, characters believable. It’s engaging and witty. Beautiful written and catchy. The story flies along wonderfully. Dialogue is awesome. The storyline is faultless. I can dig it! Kudos!’
Zoe Worth, Brisbane, QUT Creative Writing
‘Lots of vernacular and youthspeak. A terrific novel!’
Harry Paterson, Ireland
‘Some achievement! A warm and lively story redolent of Chinchilla and family values. Love the humour and the detail of your observations of people and places around the town. You keep the story moving along nicely and bring the threads together well. I think Buster might have a future.’
Judy Bell, Highfields
‘An emotional journey where the characters really resonate. You have captured the essence of growing up rural. I particularly loved Clarrie and Phyllis. You should be extremely proud.’
Sarah Christoffel, Toowoomba
‘Anyone who starts this book, and doesn’t finish it…is not right in the head.’
Kevin Irwin, Chinchilla (author’s father)