What do you think?
Rate this book
Billy
This is a story set at the outbreak of WW1 and deals with the life of a young part-Aboriginal – a top rider and crack shot – who after a tragic accident leaves his beloved Arnhem Land (and Bessie, the girl he loves) and rides off to join the Australian Light Horse. (Only one of the very few Indigenous men who were accepted into this legendary unit).
Billy sees action at Gallipoli, where he quickly develops into the ANZAC’S top sniper and soon begins to challenge the best of the Turkish snipers in one-to-one combat. Mentally traumatised by the loss of his ‘mates’ in the charge of the Light Horsemen at the Nek, Billy turns into a cold-blooded killer and extracts a fearsome toll on his Turkish foes.
At the darkest moment in Billy’s life he meets up with Anzac Chaplain William McDonald, a born again, godly man who has a profound affect upon his life.
Billy sees action throughout the Sinai (Palestine) campaign and takes part in the world changing charge at Beersheba. It was here that Australian Light Horse broke the back of the Muslim forces and fulfilled Bible prophecy. For the first time in 400 years the gateway to Jerusalem was open.
But it is at the surrender of Jerusalem that the Aboriginal lad from the bush becomes involved in a world shattering event, an event that thrusts him onto the world stage.
Billy sees action at Gallipoli, where he quickly develops into the ANZAC’S top sniper and soon begins to challenge the best of the Turkish snipers in one-to-one combat. Mentally traumatised by the loss of his ‘mates’ in the charge of the Light Horsemen at the Nek, Billy turns into a cold-blooded killer and extracts a fearsome toll on his Turkish foes.
At the darkest moment in Billy’s life he meets up with Anzac Chaplain William McDonald, a born again, godly man who has a profound affect upon his life.
Billy sees action throughout the Sinai (Palestine) campaign and takes part in the world changing charge at Beersheba. It was here that Australian Light Horse broke the back of the Muslim forces and fulfilled Bible prophecy. For the first time in 400 years the gateway to Jerusalem was open.
But it is at the surrender of Jerusalem that the Aboriginal lad from the bush becomes involved in a world shattering event, an event that thrusts him onto the world stage.
203 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 7, 2018
This is a novel based on true events around ww1, Gallipoli and the Australian Light Horse in the liberation of Jerusalem.
Billy is a 16yo half cast Aborigine from outback Arhnem land in Northern Territory, who takes his prized mate, his horse, on a perilous ANZAC mission to become a legend and great hero.
It's Aussie as they come. Hilarious. Thrillingly gripping with lots of action. It is a love story. And it's about what really matters when it comes down to mateship, love, character and purpose.
I can't recommend this book enough for those who like a bit of Australian history, a great story, and of course some good ol' fair dinkum larrikin lark and humour.
Billy is a 16yo half cast Aborigine from outback Arhnem land in Northern Territory, who takes his prized mate, his horse, on a perilous ANZAC mission to become a legend and great hero.
It's Aussie as they come. Hilarious. Thrillingly gripping with lots of action. It is a love story. And it's about what really matters when it comes down to mateship, love, character and purpose.
I can't recommend this book enough for those who like a bit of Australian history, a great story, and of course some good ol' fair dinkum larrikin lark and humour.
Displaying 1 of 1 review