Garry Willmott's Blog
December 4, 2016
Reviews
Soul Survivor - Lara’s Story
Another great ‘read-all-in-one-go’ book from natural-born storyteller, Garry Willmott. Soul Survivor picks up the story of Lara, last remaining survivor of the Doherty family.
The last sentence in Survival reads, ‘The Doherty’s had survived the war, the POW camps and the Titanic. Now they were all gone, except for Lara.’
Masterful storyteller Garry Willmott takes the reader on a wild ride through the orphaned Lara’s life from her childhood and privileged upbringing in England to her political career. Along the way, she follows the family tradition of becoming a doctor and is involved in the Hippie movement and the music of the 60s, and the Vietnam War protests. A lot of this story will be familiar territory for baby-boomer readers.
Lara’s character is shaped by some cruel blows that life deals out to her but despite all these she retains her positive and loving nature.
Garry Willmott weaves his story through the turbulence of mid-20th century history. The story encompasses post-war England, international investments and shady deals, kidnapping and ransom, Flower Power and the Swinging 60s, popular music, the waning power of the English class system and the political upheaval of the 70s.
A brilliant read and a wonderful history lesson!
Sheelagh Wegman, Editor
"
There is something special about being taken back to a time and place which was very special for those of us that lived through it.
And I am referring to the 60s and the 70s.
We kind of feel blessed, because that was the time when so much changed, people found a voice, some of the most wonderful music ever written just seem to come out of nowhere - including brand new styles, and of course it was the time of the greatest band of them all - the Beatles
Soul Survivor - Lara's Story is just that; it's evocative, poignant and brings up forgotten memories.
It's something that sticks with you well after you finish reading it. It just won't go away, surely the sign of a superb piece of writing.
It's not just the imagery that's created, but it's the depth of research that has gone behind the book, something where Mr Willmott excels.
Lara's life was one of tragedy, but after surviving a traumatic early life, she found herself rubbing shoulders directly or indirectly with celebrities, people who were at the time considered 'royalty'
In fact, I'm still scratching my head on two counts.
Firstly, I am trying to work out whether Lara really existed or not, and secondly - why has somebody not done this before i.e. produced a novel of such intimacy, where intimacy is related to the era and the relationship that a beautiful young lady had with that particular era.
Lara's story also has a very human underlying 'message'. It is clear that wealth can indeed be a curse, and not necessarily bring happiness. Even those who have been fortunate in the worldly material sense cannot escape what they have to go through - good or bad!
And the name says it all, you come into the world alone and you leave at alone, and along the way you are often facing the world alone as well. You have to survive as best you can!!
In the past, Garry has had a particular focus on the tragedy and crimes of war, particularly the First World War.
In these works, he highlights the brutality, suffering and the human element of war. Something that perhaps we do not think about enough. Garry takes you inside the heads and the hearts of those brave young soldiers who fought for our freedom.
With Soul Survivor, Lara's Story, well it's certainly very different to Garry's earlier works, but it still has that familiar human quality which is peculiar to Garry's style. It's almost like you're living inside the soul of this young lady.
Garry is an author at the top of his game, and anybody who takes the time to read this book will be moved. Indeed when I was reading it, I was continually thinking 'what a great film this would make'.
I certainly commend Garry for allowing me to participate on this journey - a journey that is on one hand alluring and poetic, and on the other hand tragic.
It's certainly one of the best pieces of work I have read and would hope that this review provides many other people with the impetus to buy or download the book - and read it for yourself. Once you're finished it, I can assure you that will feel different. It has an effect.
So well done Garry, it’s a great achievement. "
Cenred Harmsworth
I have just completed one of the most engrossing books I have read for a long time. I read it in ten hours.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the reality of life. I enjoyed it immensely.
Ian Jones.
Took me twelve hours to read, I was completely enthralled
Great work
I loved it. Could not put it down.
It was so full of facts that I never knew about.
Rebekah Grubb
Lara’s Story – another great read, took me about 5-6 hours to get through, a lovely way to spend the public holiday – this time learning more about the UK and the IRA that I was too young to understand when it happened – not that I think I understand it fully now.
The story of Lara is heartbreaking at times, her journey through life was certainly never boring. The information is all great and does help with understanding the times.
Kim Krarup
Soul Survivor, Lara's Story is an unexpected and pleasurable journey through decades of iconic events and extraordinary locations, weaving together a storyline that demonstrates exceptional research by the author, G.S Willmott. While the main character, Lara, isn't someone identifiable or familiar, you'll soon be immersed in her extraordinary life and intrigued as to the outcomes. A great read that is guaranteed to prompt a few 60s' tunes to be played, fondly, and loudly.
Jane Sexton
You Forgot the Sauce

Paul Daley is a renown author and journalist with The Guardian
You Forgot the Sauce
You Forgot the Sauce" written by Mr G. Willmott was one of the best books I have read over the summer break. It goes at a break neck pace with twists and turns at every corner. I am suitably impressed at Garry,s literary abilities and look forward to a sequel.
Tony Pittard
You Forgot the Sauce' is a poignant, contemporaneous story. A well researched, and easy read.
Cheers,
Lysbeth Driesen
COLOUR BLIND Bullets and Shell Don't Discriminate
Educating and entertaining are the two words I would use to describe the latest book Colour Blind by GS Willmott. Mr Willmott has the knack to deliver interesting information about the battles of World War I as well as getting you involved in the human side of it. I enjoyed travelling on the journeys of our diggers and learning just how difficult it was for the indigenous people of Australia to not just fight but to enlist to fight for our country and get the recognition for their efforts that they so rightly deserved.
Kim
SMALL FARM WARRIORS
For those with an interest in Australian Military History, this book not only draws one’s interest to the life in the trenches of WW1 and to their sons in WW2 that occurred twenty years later, but also ‘larrikinism’ of the Aussie digger abroad during these periods in history. This book held my interest for its full length with just the right amount of all the emotions depicted. The ups and downs of the men both when serving and on their return to Australia. A well researched and written book, which does not disguise the author’s interest in the Soldier Settlers of Australia and Commonwealth countries. Definitely a good read and I do hope it gets published. All in all a bloody good read and well worth your effort. We have been honoured and privileged to assist, hope we have helped in some way.
Regards
Faye & Geoff Threlfall
Serendipity - Garry S Willmott.
I'm not the fastest of readers, not because of an inability to read, but more because of the fact that I usually have several things on the go at once so reading a book is usually a long term project. That said, I happily accepted Garry's invitation to read the draft of his latest offering, Serendipity, as I had previously read 'The other side of the trench' and had spoken to Garry about how much I enjoyed it.
Serendipity had me intrigued from the first page. The story line drifted from the 1960's Tasmania, back to 1915 Gallipoli and through the years in between.
The story follows the life of an ANZAC Gallipoli veteran, from his landing at ANZAC Cove and subsequent capture and escape. The fall of the Ottoman Empire, the post WW1 rise of Mustafa Kemal Attaturk and the building of the nation of Turkey, and the rise and fall of Hitler and the Third Reich and the genocide during WW2.
All interesingly woven together with the backline story of family and the loss of loved ones.
A wonderfully interesting history lesson with a personal and heartwarming story of survival and love.
I read this draft in 5 days, which for me is very fast, but such was the grip I was under from Serendipity.
Ash Hind Amateur Military Historian
This novel is a poignant blend of Love and War. Garry S. Willmott captures it all in his immensely enjoyable book SERENDIPITY- Gallipoli A Love Story the Gallipoli Campaign, an unlikely love story, Turkish History and politics. This book has it all plus an informative background on Ataturk and the last caliphate. One of those ‘hard to put down’ books after you have opened the front cover.
Gary McKay
Another great ‘read-all-in-one-go’ book from natural-born storyteller, Garry Willmott. Soul Survivor picks up the story of Lara, last remaining survivor of the Doherty family.
The last sentence in Survival reads, ‘The Doherty’s had survived the war, the POW camps and the Titanic. Now they were all gone, except for Lara.’
Masterful storyteller Garry Willmott takes the reader on a wild ride through the orphaned Lara’s life from her childhood and privileged upbringing in England to her political career. Along the way, she follows the family tradition of becoming a doctor and is involved in the Hippie movement and the music of the 60s, and the Vietnam War protests. A lot of this story will be familiar territory for baby-boomer readers.
Lara’s character is shaped by some cruel blows that life deals out to her but despite all these she retains her positive and loving nature.
Garry Willmott weaves his story through the turbulence of mid-20th century history. The story encompasses post-war England, international investments and shady deals, kidnapping and ransom, Flower Power and the Swinging 60s, popular music, the waning power of the English class system and the political upheaval of the 70s.
A brilliant read and a wonderful history lesson!
Sheelagh Wegman, Editor
"
There is something special about being taken back to a time and place which was very special for those of us that lived through it.
And I am referring to the 60s and the 70s.
We kind of feel blessed, because that was the time when so much changed, people found a voice, some of the most wonderful music ever written just seem to come out of nowhere - including brand new styles, and of course it was the time of the greatest band of them all - the Beatles
Soul Survivor - Lara's Story is just that; it's evocative, poignant and brings up forgotten memories.
It's something that sticks with you well after you finish reading it. It just won't go away, surely the sign of a superb piece of writing.
It's not just the imagery that's created, but it's the depth of research that has gone behind the book, something where Mr Willmott excels.
Lara's life was one of tragedy, but after surviving a traumatic early life, she found herself rubbing shoulders directly or indirectly with celebrities, people who were at the time considered 'royalty'
In fact, I'm still scratching my head on two counts.
Firstly, I am trying to work out whether Lara really existed or not, and secondly - why has somebody not done this before i.e. produced a novel of such intimacy, where intimacy is related to the era and the relationship that a beautiful young lady had with that particular era.
Lara's story also has a very human underlying 'message'. It is clear that wealth can indeed be a curse, and not necessarily bring happiness. Even those who have been fortunate in the worldly material sense cannot escape what they have to go through - good or bad!
And the name says it all, you come into the world alone and you leave at alone, and along the way you are often facing the world alone as well. You have to survive as best you can!!
In the past, Garry has had a particular focus on the tragedy and crimes of war, particularly the First World War.
In these works, he highlights the brutality, suffering and the human element of war. Something that perhaps we do not think about enough. Garry takes you inside the heads and the hearts of those brave young soldiers who fought for our freedom.
With Soul Survivor, Lara's Story, well it's certainly very different to Garry's earlier works, but it still has that familiar human quality which is peculiar to Garry's style. It's almost like you're living inside the soul of this young lady.
Garry is an author at the top of his game, and anybody who takes the time to read this book will be moved. Indeed when I was reading it, I was continually thinking 'what a great film this would make'.
I certainly commend Garry for allowing me to participate on this journey - a journey that is on one hand alluring and poetic, and on the other hand tragic.
It's certainly one of the best pieces of work I have read and would hope that this review provides many other people with the impetus to buy or download the book - and read it for yourself. Once you're finished it, I can assure you that will feel different. It has an effect.
So well done Garry, it’s a great achievement. "
Cenred Harmsworth
I have just completed one of the most engrossing books I have read for a long time. I read it in ten hours.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the reality of life. I enjoyed it immensely.
Ian Jones.
Took me twelve hours to read, I was completely enthralled
Great work
I loved it. Could not put it down.
It was so full of facts that I never knew about.
Rebekah Grubb
Lara’s Story – another great read, took me about 5-6 hours to get through, a lovely way to spend the public holiday – this time learning more about the UK and the IRA that I was too young to understand when it happened – not that I think I understand it fully now.
The story of Lara is heartbreaking at times, her journey through life was certainly never boring. The information is all great and does help with understanding the times.
Kim Krarup
Soul Survivor, Lara's Story is an unexpected and pleasurable journey through decades of iconic events and extraordinary locations, weaving together a storyline that demonstrates exceptional research by the author, G.S Willmott. While the main character, Lara, isn't someone identifiable or familiar, you'll soon be immersed in her extraordinary life and intrigued as to the outcomes. A great read that is guaranteed to prompt a few 60s' tunes to be played, fondly, and loudly.
Jane Sexton
You Forgot the Sauce

Paul Daley is a renown author and journalist with The Guardian
You Forgot the Sauce
You Forgot the Sauce" written by Mr G. Willmott was one of the best books I have read over the summer break. It goes at a break neck pace with twists and turns at every corner. I am suitably impressed at Garry,s literary abilities and look forward to a sequel.
Tony Pittard
You Forgot the Sauce' is a poignant, contemporaneous story. A well researched, and easy read.
Cheers,
Lysbeth Driesen
COLOUR BLIND Bullets and Shell Don't Discriminate
Educating and entertaining are the two words I would use to describe the latest book Colour Blind by GS Willmott. Mr Willmott has the knack to deliver interesting information about the battles of World War I as well as getting you involved in the human side of it. I enjoyed travelling on the journeys of our diggers and learning just how difficult it was for the indigenous people of Australia to not just fight but to enlist to fight for our country and get the recognition for their efforts that they so rightly deserved.
Kim
SMALL FARM WARRIORS
For those with an interest in Australian Military History, this book not only draws one’s interest to the life in the trenches of WW1 and to their sons in WW2 that occurred twenty years later, but also ‘larrikinism’ of the Aussie digger abroad during these periods in history. This book held my interest for its full length with just the right amount of all the emotions depicted. The ups and downs of the men both when serving and on their return to Australia. A well researched and written book, which does not disguise the author’s interest in the Soldier Settlers of Australia and Commonwealth countries. Definitely a good read and I do hope it gets published. All in all a bloody good read and well worth your effort. We have been honoured and privileged to assist, hope we have helped in some way.
Regards
Faye & Geoff Threlfall
Serendipity - Garry S Willmott.
I'm not the fastest of readers, not because of an inability to read, but more because of the fact that I usually have several things on the go at once so reading a book is usually a long term project. That said, I happily accepted Garry's invitation to read the draft of his latest offering, Serendipity, as I had previously read 'The other side of the trench' and had spoken to Garry about how much I enjoyed it.
Serendipity had me intrigued from the first page. The story line drifted from the 1960's Tasmania, back to 1915 Gallipoli and through the years in between.
The story follows the life of an ANZAC Gallipoli veteran, from his landing at ANZAC Cove and subsequent capture and escape. The fall of the Ottoman Empire, the post WW1 rise of Mustafa Kemal Attaturk and the building of the nation of Turkey, and the rise and fall of Hitler and the Third Reich and the genocide during WW2.
All interesingly woven together with the backline story of family and the loss of loved ones.
A wonderfully interesting history lesson with a personal and heartwarming story of survival and love.
I read this draft in 5 days, which for me is very fast, but such was the grip I was under from Serendipity.
Ash Hind Amateur Military Historian
This novel is a poignant blend of Love and War. Garry S. Willmott captures it all in his immensely enjoyable book SERENDIPITY- Gallipoli A Love Story the Gallipoli Campaign, an unlikely love story, Turkish History and politics. This book has it all plus an informative background on Ataturk and the last caliphate. One of those ‘hard to put down’ books after you have opened the front cover.
Gary McKay
