Beneath the Willow

by Michael J. Murphy

During the European summer of 1916, the horror of war spreads its tentacles to grip a working-class family in Balmain, New South Wales. The war has ended, and Clarence Miller carries wounds that cannot be seen. He returns home to a loving wife and infant son, but his life will never be the same again.

Together they seek a fresh start in the country, but memories of his trauma near the Northern French village of Fromelles still imprison him. Tragedy strikes and casts a heavy shadow over ensuing generations of the Miller family. A voice from the past and a resolute young woman may be the family's only chance of finding peace.

396 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2018

About the author

Author Michael J Murphy lives in rural New South Wales with his wife and five children. While working as a journalist for a country newspaper, Michael has combined his passion for writing with his life-long interest in history to produce his first novel, Beneath The Willow.

Reviews

[Rachel Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and read it very quickly as I became engulfed in the lives of the characters. They represent so many of our everyday Australian families and what they endured through WWI and WWII. Having previously read many stories on Australian War History and re-counts from soldiers, I really enjoyed this novel as it involves and tells the story of both sides, the soldier in the battle and the family at home waiting for news. Whilst also giving an insight into the long lasting effects of war on all of them. It is a true indictor of how, for the soldier and their family, the war does not end at the cessation of hostilities. It has shown the ripple effect through the generations and makes me consider the 'sliding doors' effect of life before and life after. The trajectory of peoples lives altered forever, through no choice of their own. This is a very well researched and well written book. There are moments of actually laughing out loud, particularly at some of the great 'Aussie' banter, so typical of the time, feelings of pride and also moments of tears as it really strikes a chord.

[Tracey Ingold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Interesting story & characters.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart went out to Ruth and what she had to go through after her husband Clarence returned from the war. Strong female characters are the backbone of this gripping story, and it is Ruth's daughter, Emily, who provides a shining light.

[Jane Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down as the story developed. A strong story about a family dealing with tragedy.

[Amy White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters had depth and the time periods really resonated with me. The main theme of the story is something that many people could relate to. The book covers several generations of a family from the early twentieth century and how they struggle to deal with tragedy. Would recommend.

[Chris Hodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book. The story flowed really well and kept me turning the pages. The book takes you into the family's life and relays all the emotions of such a difficult time in our history.

[Paul Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping family saga initially set during WW1 before moving through several generations of a working class family, showing the effect of war beyond the battlefield. I really enjoyed it.