Heroes Of Tobruk

My Australian Story

by David Mulligan

is 1940 and sixteen-year-old Peter Fullerton and his best mate Tony Cantonelli give false names and lie about their age to enlist in the army. 'Heroes of Tobruk' follows Peter and Tony from the outbreak of war, through military training and the Siege of Tobruk.

A moving story about the horror of war and the courage of ordinary soldiers.

Genres: Historical Fiction

235 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good, simple reading for early-mid adolescents. Lots of true facts encased in fiction – diary format of protagonists Peter Fullerton and Ton Cantonelli. I think the fact it’s fiction – or ‘faction’ – needs to be stated more obviously. There is a good ‘notes’ section at the back, to explain in a simple fashion the historical context. I do however think that some of the emotions stated by the characters – reflecting the thoughts/racism/bigotry of the time – could also have an accompanying ‘note’ stating that attitudes like this arose from the time, and would now be considered unacceptable. These read too easily like ‘facts’ rather than attitudes and misconceptions. Some of the anecdotes and events portrayed are quite harrowing, as befits the war theme. Readers who like ‘Heroes of Tobruk’ would enjoy Leon Davis’ series, and the ‘My Australian Story’ and ‘My Story’ series by various authors under Scholastic. As Lieutenant Peter Leahy, Head of Army, Duntroon, states in the preface: ‘The stories it tells and the values it upholds are important to all Australians and must be told.’
 

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt the author knew a lot of historical facts and made up a story so they could include as of them as possible. The information about the war was interesting but I thought the story was predictable and really just an afterthought.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young adult novel about WW2 history written in a style that younger readers can engage with.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight especially for younger people into conditions in the War. Made both kids and the husband read it!

[Hayden Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good but just not my taste read if like the history of war