Deadly Waters

by Helen Chapman

As a teenager, Cliff dreams that one day he will play cricket for Australia, but when war comes, he changes cricket whites for a navy uniform.

Leaving everything he knows behind, he faces new horrors every day, from exploding mines and submarine strikes to deliberate suicide attacks by kamikaze pilots, never knowing if he will see his sweetheart, Marie, again.

But amongst all the tragedy of war, Cliff finds something he never thought possible amidst all the fear and devastation … hope.

189 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2023

Reviews

[Peter Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, you can feel the sun on your back and smell the grass during the childhood cricket games, hear the engines scream as the planes drop from the sky in attack and smell the cordite as the guns fire in response.

The bravery of Cliff as he stands at his signalling post with hell erupting all around is truly inspiring.

As well as the true nature of war, there beautiful moments of laconic Aussie humour, heart-rending loss and enduring love showing the resilience and humanity of people in times of adversity.

Helen has captured a time in our history so well you feel as if you were there, and lest we forget.

[Janette Leaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Deadly Waters' by Helen Chapman, is a great insight into the role of the Australian Royal Navy during various WWII encounters with enemy vessels and aircraft along the east coast of Australia.
Seen through the eyes of young seaman, Cliff Hopping, this semi-biographical account recalls his experiences on the high seas. A young man’s dreams of adventures to support King and country are contrasted with the harsh realities of war and active combat.
Whether read by youth or adult, the book invites discussion about the personal impact of military experience and the role of the navy, past and present.
Sure to engage readers interested in adventure, suspense and human perseverance, 'Deadly Waters' is impressive.

Janette L.

[Kesta Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of Scholastic’s ‘Australia’s 2nd World War’ series and as someone who knew little about Australia’s involvement in the war close to home, this book was quite an eye opener. The story is a true one, based on the author’s father’s wartime experiences as a signalman in the navy, and as such the voice is authentic and believable. There are some exciting battle scenes but these are paired realistically with the horror resulting from being attacked at sea by kamikaze pilots. Highly recommended to anyone interested in WW2, particularly Australia’s role in defending local waters.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Waters is loosely based around events the author's father experienced during his time in the Navy during WW2. Well written and convincing, this action-packed historical fiction story takes readers on a realistic voyage that gives many inside glimpses of life at war on the high seas. Adventure, white-knuckle fear and friendship sit side-by-side with horror and love. While written for readers of 10+, it is also an appealing read for young adults.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War II on the Pacific. Trauma, action, heroism, mateship.