What do you think?
Rate this book
Khaki Town
Khaki Town, Judy Nunn's stunning new novel, is inspired by a wartime true story which the Government kept secret for over seventy years.
'It seems to have happened overnight,' Val thought as she pulled the beers. 'We've become a khaki town.'
It's March 1942. Singapore has fallen. Darwin has been bombed. Australia is on the brink of being invaded by the Imperial Japanese Forces. And Val Callahan, publican of The Brown's Hotel in Townsville, could not be happier as she contemplates the fortune she's making from lonely, thirsty soldiers.
Overnight the small Queensland city is transformed into the transport hub for 70,000 American and Australian soldiers destined for combat in the South Pacific. Barbed wire and gun emplacements cover the beaches. Historic buildings have been commandeered. And the dance halls are in full swing with jitterbug and jive.
The Australian troops, short on rations and equipment, begrudge the confident, well-fed 'Yanks' who have taken over their town (and women). And there's growing conflict, too, within the American ranks. Because black GIs are enjoying the absence of segregation and the white GIs do not like it.
Then one night a massive street fight leaves a black soldier lying dead in the street, and the situation explodes into violent confrontation.
'It seems to have happened overnight,' Val thought as she pulled the beers. 'We've become a khaki town.'
It's March 1942. Singapore has fallen. Darwin has been bombed. Australia is on the brink of being invaded by the Imperial Japanese Forces. And Val Callahan, publican of The Brown's Hotel in Townsville, could not be happier as she contemplates the fortune she's making from lonely, thirsty soldiers.
Overnight the small Queensland city is transformed into the transport hub for 70,000 American and Australian soldiers destined for combat in the South Pacific. Barbed wire and gun emplacements cover the beaches. Historic buildings have been commandeered. And the dance halls are in full swing with jitterbug and jive.
The Australian troops, short on rations and equipment, begrudge the confident, well-fed 'Yanks' who have taken over their town (and women). And there's growing conflict, too, within the American ranks. Because black GIs are enjoying the absence of segregation and the white GIs do not like it.
Then one night a massive street fight leaves a black soldier lying dead in the street, and the situation explodes into violent confrontation.
382 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2019
About the author
Judy Nunn
48 books353 followersJudy Nunn (born 13 April 1945) is an Australian actress and author.
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
October 4, 2019
March 1942 in Townsville, North Queensland, and it was about to become inundated by US soldiers. Val Callahan owned The Brown’s Hotel where the soldiers and locals congregated for a drink and some company. The Australian soldiers were jealous of their American counterparts as they had more money and benefits than them; the local girls were more than happy to have the attention of the Yanks and the chocolates, nylons and all that came with it.
Val had no hesitation in allowing black and white soldiers to drink at her bar – men were men after all, no matter the colour of their skin. But the white US soldiers were used to subservience from the blacks and the anger was slowly rising. The black soldiers’ camp was out of town – Kelso – and after a series of fights in town, they were banned from leaving their camp; banned from going into town and having the entertainment and refreshments the men needed after a hard days’ work.
The riot was brutal, violent and deadly – the reason for the riot was a complex one based purely on racism, hatred and anger. But as the story evolved it was obvious to some that it would all be covered up. Would the truth ever be told?
Khaki Town by Aussie author Judy Nunn is another brilliant historical novel which in this case is based on factual events. The author mentions Khaki Town is about racism and she purposely hasn’t softened the talk. The language is true to the times which is needed for authenticity. All characters are fictional, except for the four American historical figures; some of the events mentioned did happen. I was totally engrossed in this novel, both fascinated and repelled at what was happening. The kindness, caring, love and beautiful music was one side of the coin, while the bullying, the brutality, the cruel taunting – the other. Khaki Town is extremely well-written by an author who has obviously done her research. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Val had no hesitation in allowing black and white soldiers to drink at her bar – men were men after all, no matter the colour of their skin. But the white US soldiers were used to subservience from the blacks and the anger was slowly rising. The black soldiers’ camp was out of town – Kelso – and after a series of fights in town, they were banned from leaving their camp; banned from going into town and having the entertainment and refreshments the men needed after a hard days’ work.
The riot was brutal, violent and deadly – the reason for the riot was a complex one based purely on racism, hatred and anger. But as the story evolved it was obvious to some that it would all be covered up. Would the truth ever be told?
Khaki Town by Aussie author Judy Nunn is another brilliant historical novel which in this case is based on factual events. The author mentions Khaki Town is about racism and she purposely hasn’t softened the talk. The language is true to the times which is needed for authenticity. All characters are fictional, except for the four American historical figures; some of the events mentioned did happen. I was totally engrossed in this novel, both fascinated and repelled at what was happening. The kindness, caring, love and beautiful music was one side of the coin, while the bullying, the brutality, the cruel taunting – the other. Khaki Town is extremely well-written by an author who has obviously done her research. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2019
Khaki Town is the first book by Australia actress and author Judy Nunn that I have read. Judy most certainly has a new fan - what an incredible book. I struggled to put this down. The last few nights I have been immersed in the life of 1942's Townsville. My preferred genre is crime and thriller but 2019 for me has been about branching out and reading different genres and definitely more Australian writers. Best decision I have made as I have discovered some incredible books and this is definitely high on my list of favourite books for 2019.
Khaki Town is an emotional book in so many ways. This book made me cry, it made me laugh, it was inspiring and it made me so angry! This story is inspired by a true story of a story that the government did not want told. But a story that needs to be told, of Australia's history, of America's history and the truth of what happened in WW2.
Australia is on the brink of invasion from Japan. Townsville, in far north Queensland is a major hub for both Australian and American troops. The locals are loving the thriving economy, the America's have plenty of money to spend on alcohol and girls. The local pub The Brown's Hotel is packed to the rafters every night and day and the owner Val Callahan is counting her money. It is a safe place for all the soldiers - both black and white to wind down and relax.
The Australian's are accepting of all the visitors, although the Aussie men are jealous of the wealth. The American military is still run but racist leaders and the black soldiers do not have an easy time of anything. The behaviour of those in charge is appalling and trouble is brewing. And when it kicks off it really kicks off.
This is a fantastic story of history, racism, love, drama and death. I can't recommend this book more.
Thanks to Penguin Books Australia and Better Reading for my advanced copy of this book to read. Released in Australia in October you need to read this story. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Khaki Town is an emotional book in so many ways. This book made me cry, it made me laugh, it was inspiring and it made me so angry! This story is inspired by a true story of a story that the government did not want told. But a story that needs to be told, of Australia's history, of America's history and the truth of what happened in WW2.
Australia is on the brink of invasion from Japan. Townsville, in far north Queensland is a major hub for both Australian and American troops. The locals are loving the thriving economy, the America's have plenty of money to spend on alcohol and girls. The local pub The Brown's Hotel is packed to the rafters every night and day and the owner Val Callahan is counting her money. It is a safe place for all the soldiers - both black and white to wind down and relax.
The Australian's are accepting of all the visitors, although the Aussie men are jealous of the wealth. The American military is still run but racist leaders and the black soldiers do not have an easy time of anything. The behaviour of those in charge is appalling and trouble is brewing. And when it kicks off it really kicks off.
This is a fantastic story of history, racism, love, drama and death. I can't recommend this book more.
Thanks to Penguin Books Australia and Better Reading for my advanced copy of this book to read. Released in Australia in October you need to read this story. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
September 13, 2019
4.5★s
Khaki Town is the fifteenth novel by Australian actress and author, Judy Nunn. By the time Val Callaghan bought The Brown’s Bar in Townsville, she’d already lived a colourful life. When the north Queensland town was inundated with US troops, it got even more colourful, even if khaki seemed to be the dominant colour.
The Brown’s Bar was popular with the black US servicemen of the 96th battalion stationed in Townsville for the construction of airbases and runways, because they were just as welcome there as the whites. The pretty young barmaids, Betty and Jill happily served, played music for, and danced with all of their customers.
While the Australian soldiers begrudged the better-paid Americans their finer rations, uniforms and spending power, the real tension came from the Southern US servicemen, who absolutely hated seeing the negroes being treated equally: no segregation here. But under the counter Val had a shotgun she wasn’t afraid to produce for anyone who got out of hand.
When interracial brawling resulted in the barring from Townsville of the black battalion as scapegoats, and banishment fourteen miles out at Kelso Field, the pressure cooker began to heat up. Captain Samuel Robinson could see that hard labour without any decent R&R, no way to let off steam with drinking, dancing and women, was going to lead to an explosive situation, and tried to dampen the resentment with an entertainment venue, but then a bullying incident lit the fuse.
Nunn is a brilliant story teller and she really brings the Townsville of 1942 to life. She fills her tale (based on actual events) with a cast of interesting characters to admire, to love, to hate: feisty barmaids, a very independent laundress, an entrepreneurial black-marketeer, a fiery young journalist frustrated by censorship, an obnoxious cotton plantation heir, xenophobic locals and an arrogant but fair US congressman. Backstories for the main characters are woven in early on, with the minor characters get vignettes, so that by the time the action gets going the reader knows who and what are important and why.
Romance is in the mix, but mainly, this is a story about things that were covered up, things that neither the US Armed Forces nor the Australian Government could allow to become common knowledge. It was an era of blatant racism and rampant xenophobia, and Nunn uses her fictional characters to describe the poor treatment meted out to black servicemen, the cover-up of black deaths by means accidental and intentional, and the short-sighted attitudes of US High Command that ultimately caused the unrest and what followed.
But Nunn doesn’t gloss over Australia’s poor record with its indigenous population, describing the horrors of Palm Island as well as multiple mentions of the White Australia Policy and reference to the extermination of Tasmania’s aboriginal population. Possibly most shocking was the intended action against the native population should the Japanese succeed in breaching our borders.
For all that, this tale also has plenty of humour (some of it quite dark) and a very satisfactory resolution for many of the characters, although some strings go untied. Add in a bit of song and dance: what more could a reader ask for? A very enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and Penguin Random House Australia.
Khaki Town is the fifteenth novel by Australian actress and author, Judy Nunn. By the time Val Callaghan bought The Brown’s Bar in Townsville, she’d already lived a colourful life. When the north Queensland town was inundated with US troops, it got even more colourful, even if khaki seemed to be the dominant colour.
The Brown’s Bar was popular with the black US servicemen of the 96th battalion stationed in Townsville for the construction of airbases and runways, because they were just as welcome there as the whites. The pretty young barmaids, Betty and Jill happily served, played music for, and danced with all of their customers.
While the Australian soldiers begrudged the better-paid Americans their finer rations, uniforms and spending power, the real tension came from the Southern US servicemen, who absolutely hated seeing the negroes being treated equally: no segregation here. But under the counter Val had a shotgun she wasn’t afraid to produce for anyone who got out of hand.
When interracial brawling resulted in the barring from Townsville of the black battalion as scapegoats, and banishment fourteen miles out at Kelso Field, the pressure cooker began to heat up. Captain Samuel Robinson could see that hard labour without any decent R&R, no way to let off steam with drinking, dancing and women, was going to lead to an explosive situation, and tried to dampen the resentment with an entertainment venue, but then a bullying incident lit the fuse.
Nunn is a brilliant story teller and she really brings the Townsville of 1942 to life. She fills her tale (based on actual events) with a cast of interesting characters to admire, to love, to hate: feisty barmaids, a very independent laundress, an entrepreneurial black-marketeer, a fiery young journalist frustrated by censorship, an obnoxious cotton plantation heir, xenophobic locals and an arrogant but fair US congressman. Backstories for the main characters are woven in early on, with the minor characters get vignettes, so that by the time the action gets going the reader knows who and what are important and why.
Romance is in the mix, but mainly, this is a story about things that were covered up, things that neither the US Armed Forces nor the Australian Government could allow to become common knowledge. It was an era of blatant racism and rampant xenophobia, and Nunn uses her fictional characters to describe the poor treatment meted out to black servicemen, the cover-up of black deaths by means accidental and intentional, and the short-sighted attitudes of US High Command that ultimately caused the unrest and what followed.
But Nunn doesn’t gloss over Australia’s poor record with its indigenous population, describing the horrors of Palm Island as well as multiple mentions of the White Australia Policy and reference to the extermination of Tasmania’s aboriginal population. Possibly most shocking was the intended action against the native population should the Japanese succeed in breaching our borders.
For all that, this tale also has plenty of humour (some of it quite dark) and a very satisfactory resolution for many of the characters, although some strings go untied. Add in a bit of song and dance: what more could a reader ask for? A very enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and Penguin Random House Australia.
October 2, 2019
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Judy Nunn knows how to write a great Aussie story filled with quintessential Australian characters.
Khaki Town, set in wartime Townsville, is a character driven story centred on the rumoured uprising of African American soldiers during their time in Australia helping to build airfields.
Nunn paints a vivid picture of the 1940’s. Val Callahan, one time prostitute, now owner of the local pub is beautiful, tough and astute. She watches over her two young barmaids, Betty and Jill, as if they were her own daughters. Baz Taylor the racketeer never misses an opportunity to line his pockets but he is always sure to stay on Val’s good side. Aunty Edie, an aboriginal elder, has had a tough life but she is proud and hard working. The young girls look up to her. The story follows all these characters as the soldiers invade their town.
The characters are sincere and believable and the main theme of racism rings true to the era and Nunn doesn’t soften the hate and racist talk. The story builds slowly on why the soldiers mutinied. Highlighting the effect the influx of American soldiers had on the residents of Townsville and on the Australian soldiers.
The attitude some people had to the African American soldiers is shocking but the treatment they received from their own white officers is horrifying.
Nunn has written a fictional account of the time but the main points ring true to documents that have been uncovered. This is a story that has been covered up by both the Australian and American governments far too long.
*The book contains offensive language that the author included to remain true to the era.
I received an uncorrected proof copy from the publisher.
Judy Nunn knows how to write a great Aussie story filled with quintessential Australian characters.
Khaki Town, set in wartime Townsville, is a character driven story centred on the rumoured uprising of African American soldiers during their time in Australia helping to build airfields.
Nunn paints a vivid picture of the 1940’s. Val Callahan, one time prostitute, now owner of the local pub is beautiful, tough and astute. She watches over her two young barmaids, Betty and Jill, as if they were her own daughters. Baz Taylor the racketeer never misses an opportunity to line his pockets but he is always sure to stay on Val’s good side. Aunty Edie, an aboriginal elder, has had a tough life but she is proud and hard working. The young girls look up to her. The story follows all these characters as the soldiers invade their town.
The characters are sincere and believable and the main theme of racism rings true to the era and Nunn doesn’t soften the hate and racist talk. The story builds slowly on why the soldiers mutinied. Highlighting the effect the influx of American soldiers had on the residents of Townsville and on the Australian soldiers.
The attitude some people had to the African American soldiers is shocking but the treatment they received from their own white officers is horrifying.
Nunn has written a fictional account of the time but the main points ring true to documents that have been uncovered. This is a story that has been covered up by both the Australian and American governments far too long.
*The book contains offensive language that the author included to remain true to the era.
I received an uncorrected proof copy from the publisher.
June 17, 2020
Thanks to Judy Nunn, Penguin Random House and Better Reading for my ARC of: Khaki Town.
Townsville 1942, the Japanese forces have just invaded Singapore, Australia looks like it could be next and everyone is on edge. Queensland is bustling with over 70,000 Australian diggers and American soldiers waiting to be sent to fight in the Pacific.
The African American soldiers who signed up to fight are frustrated, they haven't been issued with weapons, not given leave to go ashore when the ship first arrives in Australia and once on dry land are put to work digging ditches. But they soon discover the absence of segregation in Australia and this means ALL the American soldiers can enjoy the Aussie hospitality. Drinking at the pub, flirting with bar maids, having fun, dancing and gambling. Not everyone is happy about no segregation, some of the American soldiers are from the South, one really nasty one is an officer and a racist.
When you combine the threat of war, tension, racism, constant bullying, and alcohol? Violence explodes and it's all covered up.
I gave Khaki Town 3 stars, I wish the story focused more on the Aussie characters, their relationships with each other and life in Townsville during WW II. I didn't like the constant focus on violence, drinking and prostitution.
I shared my review on Goodreads, Twitter, Australia Amazon, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Townsville 1942, the Japanese forces have just invaded Singapore, Australia looks like it could be next and everyone is on edge. Queensland is bustling with over 70,000 Australian diggers and American soldiers waiting to be sent to fight in the Pacific.
The African American soldiers who signed up to fight are frustrated, they haven't been issued with weapons, not given leave to go ashore when the ship first arrives in Australia and once on dry land are put to work digging ditches. But they soon discover the absence of segregation in Australia and this means ALL the American soldiers can enjoy the Aussie hospitality. Drinking at the pub, flirting with bar maids, having fun, dancing and gambling. Not everyone is happy about no segregation, some of the American soldiers are from the South, one really nasty one is an officer and a racist.
When you combine the threat of war, tension, racism, constant bullying, and alcohol? Violence explodes and it's all covered up.
I gave Khaki Town 3 stars, I wish the story focused more on the Aussie characters, their relationships with each other and life in Townsville during WW II. I didn't like the constant focus on violence, drinking and prostitution.
I shared my review on Goodreads, Twitter, Australia Amazon, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
October 6, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
FACT OR FICTION
‘Khaki Town is a work of fiction, inspired by factual events about which very little is known. This makes for an interesting combination for the reader (at least I hope so) and something of a test for the author (I know so).’
Judy Nunn, Author’s Note, Khaki Town
Townsville in the 1940s comes alive through the expert penmanship of dedicated Australian historical fiction author Judy Nunn. Nunn is no novice to this field of fiction, and Khaki Town represents the fifteenth published novel by the talented writer. In this tale of war, race relations, inequality, government policy and politics, Khaki Town opens the reader’s eyes to a shameful and concealed chapter in our World War II history books.
The Pacific War surges on when Khaki Town begins. Darwin has recently been bombed and the Japanese continue to encroach on Australian territory. At crisis point, the Australians call in for extra resources. In response, the US Army sends in extra troops to our nation. The site of Townsville, in Queensland, becomes the base for both American and Australian soldiers. The once sleepy town of Townsville is soon transformed, and everyone in the little town in impacted by the presence of the army – in one way or another. For some residents of Townsville, there are more opportunities to extend business ventures, or form new romantic relationships. But not everyone is content, or satisfied with the current arrangements. The Australian troops start to rebel and object to the US soldiers taking over their patch. Meanwhile, there are tensions between the white and black American troops, causing disharmony in their ranks. Eventually things come to head, and a terrible act of violence occurs. To safeguard the situation and prevent it reaching the public, the US sends out an ambitious congressman, who goes into damage control. However, this incident marks the beginning of a terrible cover up that will reverberate down the Australian and US army lines for years to come.
Judy Nunn is quite the crusader in the Australian fiction sphere. In many of her novels, Nunn is able to take a political, social or historical issue of contention, and bring it to our collective consciousness, in the form of an accessible narrative. Khaki Town is her latest triumph and it is a book that successfully opens up the channels of conversation around a hidden chapter of Australian wartime history. This slice of unknown history strikes at the very heart of the Australian public, our government and the armed forces. Once you are aware of what happened in Townsville you will be shocked, dismayed and saddened. This is a regrettable chapter in our past, that works to reveal the true extent of racism and discontent prevalent in 1940s Australia.
Nunn devotes plenty of page time to character formation in Khaki Town. As the story unfolds, we learn of the past and back stories of the key protagonists, along with the supporting cast. The stories of Edie, Jill, Betty and Val all resonated with me. I also appreciated the insertion of the four non fictional characters in Khaki Town, Lyndon Johnson, Robert Kennedy, Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Through the actual and fictional histories of these characters, the reader follows a trail of power, politics, persecution, injustice, prostitution, business acquisitions, love, sacrifice and much more. Perhaps the most upsetting aspect of the exploration into these lives is the cruel displacement policy impacting many indigenous Australians, which is told through the tragic story of one of the figures of this novel. The forced exile of many Indigenous Australians from their homes, to Palm Island was utterly appalling. It left a heavy stain on my heart. However, at the core of Khaki Town is the terrible treatment of the US black servicemen, at the hands of both their own army, the Australian army personnel and the government. It eventually rears its ugly head in the form of an awful act of violence. What emerges is a powerful story of deliberate concealment, ill judgement, regret, race relations, out of touch government policy, injustice and hate. Nunn does not sugar coat the crux of her novel in any way, but it did leave a bitter taste in my mouth afterwards.
A final word on the research of this book. I was impressed by the extensive research Judy Nunn has clearly undertaken to inform her novel. With a two year turn around in each novel she produces, Nunn takes her time to immerse herself in her main subject matter. In the ‘Acknowledgements’ section at the close of the novel, the research sources referenced by Nunn provides the audience with a good indication of the extent of the research she has conducted. As a result, the reader is presented with a very accessible history, and for many, this history is likely to have been unfamiliar, prior to reading Khaki Town.
Khaki Town is a historical tale told with conviction. The authoritative voice of Judy Nunn reveals a story of inequality, racism, love, determination, personal strength and a closely guarded history from Australia’s wartime past.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Khaki Town is book #125 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
FACT OR FICTION
‘Khaki Town is a work of fiction, inspired by factual events about which very little is known. This makes for an interesting combination for the reader (at least I hope so) and something of a test for the author (I know so).’
Judy Nunn, Author’s Note, Khaki Town
Townsville in the 1940s comes alive through the expert penmanship of dedicated Australian historical fiction author Judy Nunn. Nunn is no novice to this field of fiction, and Khaki Town represents the fifteenth published novel by the talented writer. In this tale of war, race relations, inequality, government policy and politics, Khaki Town opens the reader’s eyes to a shameful and concealed chapter in our World War II history books.
The Pacific War surges on when Khaki Town begins. Darwin has recently been bombed and the Japanese continue to encroach on Australian territory. At crisis point, the Australians call in for extra resources. In response, the US Army sends in extra troops to our nation. The site of Townsville, in Queensland, becomes the base for both American and Australian soldiers. The once sleepy town of Townsville is soon transformed, and everyone in the little town in impacted by the presence of the army – in one way or another. For some residents of Townsville, there are more opportunities to extend business ventures, or form new romantic relationships. But not everyone is content, or satisfied with the current arrangements. The Australian troops start to rebel and object to the US soldiers taking over their patch. Meanwhile, there are tensions between the white and black American troops, causing disharmony in their ranks. Eventually things come to head, and a terrible act of violence occurs. To safeguard the situation and prevent it reaching the public, the US sends out an ambitious congressman, who goes into damage control. However, this incident marks the beginning of a terrible cover up that will reverberate down the Australian and US army lines for years to come.
Judy Nunn is quite the crusader in the Australian fiction sphere. In many of her novels, Nunn is able to take a political, social or historical issue of contention, and bring it to our collective consciousness, in the form of an accessible narrative. Khaki Town is her latest triumph and it is a book that successfully opens up the channels of conversation around a hidden chapter of Australian wartime history. This slice of unknown history strikes at the very heart of the Australian public, our government and the armed forces. Once you are aware of what happened in Townsville you will be shocked, dismayed and saddened. This is a regrettable chapter in our past, that works to reveal the true extent of racism and discontent prevalent in 1940s Australia.
Nunn devotes plenty of page time to character formation in Khaki Town. As the story unfolds, we learn of the past and back stories of the key protagonists, along with the supporting cast. The stories of Edie, Jill, Betty and Val all resonated with me. I also appreciated the insertion of the four non fictional characters in Khaki Town, Lyndon Johnson, Robert Kennedy, Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Through the actual and fictional histories of these characters, the reader follows a trail of power, politics, persecution, injustice, prostitution, business acquisitions, love, sacrifice and much more. Perhaps the most upsetting aspect of the exploration into these lives is the cruel displacement policy impacting many indigenous Australians, which is told through the tragic story of one of the figures of this novel. The forced exile of many Indigenous Australians from their homes, to Palm Island was utterly appalling. It left a heavy stain on my heart. However, at the core of Khaki Town is the terrible treatment of the US black servicemen, at the hands of both their own army, the Australian army personnel and the government. It eventually rears its ugly head in the form of an awful act of violence. What emerges is a powerful story of deliberate concealment, ill judgement, regret, race relations, out of touch government policy, injustice and hate. Nunn does not sugar coat the crux of her novel in any way, but it did leave a bitter taste in my mouth afterwards.
A final word on the research of this book. I was impressed by the extensive research Judy Nunn has clearly undertaken to inform her novel. With a two year turn around in each novel she produces, Nunn takes her time to immerse herself in her main subject matter. In the ‘Acknowledgements’ section at the close of the novel, the research sources referenced by Nunn provides the audience with a good indication of the extent of the research she has conducted. As a result, the reader is presented with a very accessible history, and for many, this history is likely to have been unfamiliar, prior to reading Khaki Town.
Khaki Town is a historical tale told with conviction. The authoritative voice of Judy Nunn reveals a story of inequality, racism, love, determination, personal strength and a closely guarded history from Australia’s wartime past.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Khaki Town is book #125 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
November 12, 2019
Poorly written in my humble opinion. Nunn is all about ‘telling’ the story instead of ‘showing’ anything, with huge info dumps and backstory from the get go. There are way too many characters, with the reader barely given a chance to form a relationship with any of them. Who’s the hero, the protagonist? Val, Betty, Samuel, Kasey? Ahh! I find myself skimming over huge chunks as I try to get the jist of the story, which is extremely interesting but terribly executed.
June 29, 2021
My first Judy Nunn novel, and I don't think it will be the last.
Fabulous story-telling and likable characters.
I had no idea about the race riots between African American soldiers and their white Officers, in Far North Qld. Nor about Lyndon Johnson's time spent there. Nunn really knows how to write an empathetic story and weave our way to the crux of it, while protecting our hearts, through some of the more difficult moments.
I came to this because I wanted to know more of the rich history of Townsville, while my son is posted there as a junior officer in the ADF. This novel certainly satisfied that.
September 18, 2019
Judy Nunn’s Khaki Town surprised me. Set in Townsville back in the 1940’s, this book isn’t like other wartime stories I’ve read before. It’s got a quintessentially Aussie setting (can you get more Australian than a Queensland pub?) but despite the antipodean locale it focused a lot on the racial divide amongst the troops – especially those from America. It was violent at times and tackled some really important and difficult issues. I was hooked on the historical side of the story. This is a book based on events in my own backyard and I had no clue about any of it. But Khaki Town lacked a certain something that made me connect more emotionally to the story. I enjoyed the read but felt somewhat disconnected to the characters no matter how interested I was in what was happening at the time.
September 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️s
Thought-provoking and unthinkable.
Politicians are no different today than they were decades ago. They still cover up everything.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Penguin Random House Australia Audio
Read by John Derum
Duration: 13 hrs, 8 min. 1.25x Speed
Thought-provoking and unthinkable.
Politicians are no different today than they were decades ago. They still cover up everything.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Penguin Random House Australia Audio
Read by John Derum
Duration: 13 hrs, 8 min. 1.25x Speed
September 9, 2019
Thank you Better Reading for my ARC. I found the historical aspects of the story of Townsville in 1942 fascinating. I was unaware of the 10 tens of thousands of American soldiers in North Queensland, and of the racial conflict that followed. The ensuing cover up of death from 'friendly' fire is shocking. The main characters didn't come alive for me, I think mainly because the author specifically wrote in a 1940's voice to maintain authenticity, but it made the story a little flat for me. I was interested to learn about the Government of the day's decision not to protect North Queensland against potential Japanese invasion and that troops were only stationed from Brisbane to protect the infrastructure of the Southern States.
November 10, 2020
Khaki Town is a historical story about love jealousy and racism during WW2. After the fall of Singapore in 1942, Townsville became the new headquarters for American and Australian troops. Locals of Townsville, especially Val Callahan, the owner of the local pub was happy with the soldiers coming to town. However, it was not easy transitions for the troops. Conflicts rosed between American and Australian ranks climax with a street fight and one African American soldier dead. The readers of Khaki Town will continue to follow the investigation of the street fight and Val Callahan to find out what happens.
Khaki Town is another excellent book by Judy Nunn. I love the way, Judy Nunn incorporated the factual components within the plot of Khaki Town. I like Judy Nunn's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Khaki Town is well written and researched by Judy Nunn. I like the way Judy Nunn describes the settings of Khaki Town in a way that allowed me to image been part of the plot of this book.
The readers of Khaki Town will learn about living in Townville during WW2. Also, the readers will understand the problems that the American and Australian troops have during their time in Townville.
I recommend this book.
Khaki Town is another excellent book by Judy Nunn. I love the way, Judy Nunn incorporated the factual components within the plot of Khaki Town. I like Judy Nunn's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Khaki Town is well written and researched by Judy Nunn. I like the way Judy Nunn describes the settings of Khaki Town in a way that allowed me to image been part of the plot of this book.
The readers of Khaki Town will learn about living in Townville during WW2. Also, the readers will understand the problems that the American and Australian troops have during their time in Townville.
I recommend this book.
October 9, 2019
Brilliant, very interesting and quite shocking.
November 10, 2019
‘A place they call Townsville.’
March 1942. Singapore has fallen. Darwin has been bombed. The Imperial Japanese Forces are on the brink of invading Australia. The small tropical city of Townsville in Queensland is transformed into a transport hub for 70,000 Australian and American soldiers destined for combat in the South Pacific.
Thirsty, lonely soldiers flock to The Brown’s Hotel. Even with restricted trading hours, Val Callahan, publican of The Brown’s Hotel, is making a fortune.
But there’s tension in Townsville. Tension between the Australian troops and the American troops, and tension within the ranks of the American troops. The Australians resent the fact that the Americans are better paid and better fed and can offer chocolates and nylons to Australian women. And within the American troops, some of the white GIs don’t like that the black GIs are not segregated.
After the black GIs are banned from the leisure activities in Townsville, and after a short-lived attempt to provide them with their own club outside Townsville, racial violence erupts.
A young United States Congressman, Lyndon Baines Johnson, is sent to Townsville to investigate.
This novel was inspired by a mutiny in Townsville in May 1942, in which a number of soldiers were killed. I picked up this novel because I’d recently visited Townsville and was aware of some of the World War II related history. Ms Nunn blends fact and fiction to recreate Townsville in this period, highlighting the racial tensions (both within Australia and America). The historical figures have important cameo roles, while the fictional figures bring the period to life. I enjoyed the novel but readers should be aware of Ms Nunn’s warning:
‘Khaki Town is about racism and there are some passages that readers may find offensive and even shocking.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 1942. Singapore has fallen. Darwin has been bombed. The Imperial Japanese Forces are on the brink of invading Australia. The small tropical city of Townsville in Queensland is transformed into a transport hub for 70,000 Australian and American soldiers destined for combat in the South Pacific.
Thirsty, lonely soldiers flock to The Brown’s Hotel. Even with restricted trading hours, Val Callahan, publican of The Brown’s Hotel, is making a fortune.
But there’s tension in Townsville. Tension between the Australian troops and the American troops, and tension within the ranks of the American troops. The Australians resent the fact that the Americans are better paid and better fed and can offer chocolates and nylons to Australian women. And within the American troops, some of the white GIs don’t like that the black GIs are not segregated.
After the black GIs are banned from the leisure activities in Townsville, and after a short-lived attempt to provide them with their own club outside Townsville, racial violence erupts.
A young United States Congressman, Lyndon Baines Johnson, is sent to Townsville to investigate.
This novel was inspired by a mutiny in Townsville in May 1942, in which a number of soldiers were killed. I picked up this novel because I’d recently visited Townsville and was aware of some of the World War II related history. Ms Nunn blends fact and fiction to recreate Townsville in this period, highlighting the racial tensions (both within Australia and America). The historical figures have important cameo roles, while the fictional figures bring the period to life. I enjoyed the novel but readers should be aware of Ms Nunn’s warning:
‘Khaki Town is about racism and there are some passages that readers may find offensive and even shocking.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
September 3, 2019
“Khaki Town” is based on genuine, fascinating events from World War II. There’s a lot of exposition and characters don’t really come to life. I found it an interesting read, and probably memorable for the history woven into it, but not particularly compelling.
Nunn has done an excellent job of depicting the attitudes of the time; the atmosphere in Townsville during wartime, the varying attitudes to negros and Indigenous Australians, the racism and bullying within the American Army, and the attitude to “local women”. However, individual characters were less vivid. Nunn details their background, but for me they never came to life.
The novel is very heavy on exposition. We rarely see what motivates a character; we’re told. This weakens the novel considerably as it’s hard to care about characters who don’t feel real. Unfortunately this is true even of the real people who appear in the novel.
I was fascinated and completely engaged by historical events I knew very little of. However, the amount of exposition slowed the narrative and impacted negatively on the characterisation. This is a very palatable way of acquiring a little more historical knowledge, but it’s a good novel rather than an outstanding one.
Nunn has done an excellent job of depicting the attitudes of the time; the atmosphere in Townsville during wartime, the varying attitudes to negros and Indigenous Australians, the racism and bullying within the American Army, and the attitude to “local women”. However, individual characters were less vivid. Nunn details their background, but for me they never came to life.
The novel is very heavy on exposition. We rarely see what motivates a character; we’re told. This weakens the novel considerably as it’s hard to care about characters who don’t feel real. Unfortunately this is true even of the real people who appear in the novel.
I was fascinated and completely engaged by historical events I knew very little of. However, the amount of exposition slowed the narrative and impacted negatively on the characterisation. This is a very palatable way of acquiring a little more historical knowledge, but it’s a good novel rather than an outstanding one.
August 28, 2019
Khaki Town is a wonderfully crafted story. I was intrigued by the mix of true events combined with the fictional characters set during World War II in North Queensland. I couldn’t put the book down and really enjoyed reading it. Although some of the subject matter was a little confronting and difficult to read at times, I’m glad the story has been told as it just makes the novel so powerful. All in all, it was an intriguing blend of fictional drama, combined with Australian history and political movements of the time. This is a must read, especially for people who love history and war. Thank you Penguin Random House Australia for this opportunity to review the book.
September 2, 2019
Another book of Judy Nunn's I couldn't put down! Nunn explores a well kept secret that most Australians have never heard about but happened right here in Australia in WWII! It was well written, not focusing on one characters view of the story but a number of people, all tied together to tell an interesting but horrifically sad story. Existing fans of Judy Nunn will love this book and many new fans will be created once reading Khaki Town.
Thank you to Better Reading and @Penguin Books for the chance to read and review Khaki Town.
Thank you to Better Reading and @Penguin Books for the chance to read and review Khaki Town.
March 17, 2024
Solid 3 ⭐️ book! Interesting piece of historical fiction on the little known side of the war of US troops stationed in Australia as allies against the Japanese. Australia narrowly avoided invasion. A book about racism that plagued Townsville. Lost point due to the rather mediocre writing style, a lot of unnecessary detail that made this book drag on a bit.
June 21, 2020
I found it a bit slow to start but enjoyed it when I got into it.
May 30, 2021
Set in Townsville, a transport hub during WW11, this story deals with racism, bullying, love and loss, involving American and Australian troops. The characters are engaging and there are several references to actual events, which make it more believable. Judy Nunn has brought to our attention the atrocities which occurred even amongst the allies, set around the fictitional Brown's Bar, run by the formidable Val Callahan.
September 15, 2019
Khaki Town is the first Judy Nunn book that I have read. I enjoyed reading an Australian historical fiction novel and learning about events from WW2 that I previously wouldn’t have heard about.
The novel tackles difficult issues with racism at the forefront. I had no idea that Australia had in force a White Australian Policy and an Immigration restriction Act.
The historical aspects of the novel have been told well and I was interested in understanding the issues faced by soldiers serving in Townsville. However I felt the historical descriptions of events detracted from the story and the characters were not as fully developed so I wasn’t as invested or interested in the outcome. For example the storyline between Captain Samuel Robinson and Amelia was just left without a conclusion and the impact of Kasey’s death on Betty was never explored.
The novel tackles difficult issues with racism at the forefront. I had no idea that Australia had in force a White Australian Policy and an Immigration restriction Act.
The historical aspects of the novel have been told well and I was interested in understanding the issues faced by soldiers serving in Townsville. However I felt the historical descriptions of events detracted from the story and the characters were not as fully developed so I wasn’t as invested or interested in the outcome. For example the storyline between Captain Samuel Robinson and Amelia was just left without a conclusion and the impact of Kasey’s death on Betty was never explored.
October 18, 2019
An absolutely amazing read!
I'm born and bred in North QLD. I currently live in Townsville and my grandad served in the 31sth/51st Battalian in PNG during the time this story is set.
My grandad would never speak much of his days in the war and he's no longer with us today, so this story felt very personal and close to my heart. I now understand why my Poppy felt that he couldn't open up to us about things that happened during the war time.
This book made me feel that for one last time my Pop was near to me.
This story through Judy Nunn's incredible story telling, also gives a voice to those indigenous soldiers who were silenced and voiceless all those years ago.
A story that needs to be told.
I'm born and bred in North QLD. I currently live in Townsville and my grandad served in the 31sth/51st Battalian in PNG during the time this story is set.
My grandad would never speak much of his days in the war and he's no longer with us today, so this story felt very personal and close to my heart. I now understand why my Poppy felt that he couldn't open up to us about things that happened during the war time.
This book made me feel that for one last time my Pop was near to me.
This story through Judy Nunn's incredible story telling, also gives a voice to those indigenous soldiers who were silenced and voiceless all those years ago.
A story that needs to be told.
December 13, 2019
Judy Nunn's latest offering switches to Townsville during the 1940's and tells the story about the importation of US troops to Australia including African-american soldiers. This story is fiction but based on fact about the blatant racism there between the american soldiers and the consequences thereafter. So hard to believe that there was still so much hatred between Negros and white. A great depiction of Australia during those times when the 'yanks' came to town. A master story-teller which had me hooked from beginning to the end.
July 26, 2020
Although I'm very glad that this story about racism and war in Townsville has been told and even though some of the characters such as Val and Aunty Edie and Betty were well crafted, there was a "jolly hockey sticks" feel to the writing. There was little subtlety in the exploration of race - the racists were all nasty and the good folk were all free of prejudice. It just didn't quite ring true. Nevertheless, an interesting story.
January 30, 2020
I love historic fiction based on true events and facts. Khaki Town didn't disappoint. Judy Nunn paints a beautiful picture of Townsville in the midst of WWII fear. The characters are alive, spring off the page and stay with you once you've finished the book. In fact, I want to know more about what happened to them next!
December 20, 2021
I enjoyed reading about the previously unknown to me historical aspects of this story but the characters felt a little strained. It seemed like the author thought oh I need a Jew, a bigoted southerner, a pub owner with a heart of gold, etc and then just threw them in together.
October 30, 2019
Not the best Judy Nunn I have read. A bit disappointing after Sanctuary. I found it a bit slow to begin with although I did warm to it.
February 25, 2020
4.5 stars - this is the first book by this author that I have read. It was a great read & an interesting storyline
September 10, 2020
I’m not a huge fan of the ‘ugly’ word, but there is no denying that some things are definitely ugly, like racism.
When I read Judy Nunn’s note to readers as a heads up, I thought the racism was probably here and there, surely not the entire book. I quote: “Khaki Town is about racism and there are some passages that readers may find offensive and even shocking. I have made no attempt to soften this. Even in sections of the narrative where I am referring to government and military views, I have chosen to write in the language of the times because to modernise the vernacular would not be true to the era, both historically and dramatically.”
I have to say, this book was a real eye-opener for me. Of the historical fiction genre, I believe most of it was based on fact and real-life events, giving the greater balance to historical.
Townsville, a coastal city in Northern Queensland, a crucial base for campaigns into the Pacific, including the Battle of the Coral Sea, hosted more than 50,000 US and Australian troops during World War II. It is still a base for the Australian Army.
About 600 African American troops were brought to the city to clear and construct 3 large airfields at Kelso Field, approximately 22 kms south-west of Townsville. The work was to be done virtually by hand with only the most basic of tools. No machinery was provided. They thought they were coming to Australia to help fight a war against the Japanese, they were not even given a single gun. Morale was low, any forms of pleasure had been taken away, denying them all the city offered with nothing to look forward to after their days of arduous toil. They felt they were just black slaves, marooned outside Townsville, given none of the escape afforded to the white soldiers. The white American G.I.s and the Australian white soldiers were the ones that would be involved in the majority of the combat.
When the American troops came to Northern Queensland in early 1942, Australia had a “White Australia Policy”. Australia’s own government’s initial reaction to Negro soldiers was that we didn’t want them.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz [The nation still held strictly to the White Australia policy despite the desperate needs of the war, leading to segregation in poor conditions and discrimination that later sparked riots between black and white GIs in Brisbane].
The ‘White Australia Policy’ was introduced in 1901 and was not totally eliminated until the 1970s. Can you believe there were ‘White Australia’ theatre productions, songs, pins and badges, soaps, and even a ‘White Australia’ brand of sliced pineapple in syrup?
An interesting term I came across was the word ‘peckerwood’. It is a disparaging term for a white person, especially a Southerner (USA). Its origin is due to the woodpecker bird being a symbol of whites, whereas the crow is a symbol of African Americans.
I always have a listen to any references to music in books I am reading. In this case, I thoroughly enjoyed the upbeat jazz and the blues. The African Americans sure do have rhythm in their very souls!
The snake pen mentioned in Val’s pub ‘Browns Bar’, loved reading about that, but finding any references on the internet were fruitless as to whether this sort of thing really existed or exists. Snake vs man's hand on the glass….
The majority of the characters produced an empathy in me, excepting Captain Charles ‘Chuck’ Maxwell, the cowardly and bullying Southerner who took great delight in seeking out a whipping boy, on whom to vent his frustrations and rage.
In 1942, Franklin D. Roosevelt is President of USA, and John Curtin is Prime Minister of Australia. Lyndon B. Johnson, US congressman (future president of USA) is sent to Townsville by Roosevelt to investigate the cause of the Townsville Mutiny.
Recently a James Cook University historian uncovered evidence of the mutiny during research into Congressman (later President) Lyndon B. Johnson's sudden and unexplained 3 day visit to Townsville in 1942. He had found primary documentation to prove that the 96th Battalion did mutiny in an eight-hour siege triggered by racial taunts and violence. He said further evidence was provided by an unpublished report written by a US war correspondent, which was given to Johnson and later filed by the US National Archives and Records Administration.
“The US military guards its secrets very closely”. Information about the Townsville mutiny has never been released to the public.
My curiosity piqued with a reference to an ‘exalted cyclop’ which is mentioned in the book, I did a little research into the heinous Ku Klux Klan (KKK), which is either of two distinct U.S. hate organizations that employed terror in pursuit of their white supremacist agenda. One group was founded immediately after the Civil War and lasted until the 1870s. The other began in 1915 and has continued to the present. The group was presided over by a grand wizard and a descending hierarchy of grand dragons, grand titans, and grand cyclopses. The chief officer of a Klan was an Exalted Cyclops and the subordinate officers were known as the Twelve Terrors. They were all dressed in robes and sheets designed to frighten superstitious Blacks and to prevent identification by the occupying federal troops.
The racist theme of this book very much brought to my mind the current ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests. Will racism ever be stamped out? I think we’ve come a long way, but clearly still a lot of change in attitude and indoctrination to do.
When I read Judy Nunn’s note to readers as a heads up, I thought the racism was probably here and there, surely not the entire book. I quote: “Khaki Town is about racism and there are some passages that readers may find offensive and even shocking. I have made no attempt to soften this. Even in sections of the narrative where I am referring to government and military views, I have chosen to write in the language of the times because to modernise the vernacular would not be true to the era, both historically and dramatically.”
I have to say, this book was a real eye-opener for me. Of the historical fiction genre, I believe most of it was based on fact and real-life events, giving the greater balance to historical.
Townsville, a coastal city in Northern Queensland, a crucial base for campaigns into the Pacific, including the Battle of the Coral Sea, hosted more than 50,000 US and Australian troops during World War II. It is still a base for the Australian Army.
About 600 African American troops were brought to the city to clear and construct 3 large airfields at Kelso Field, approximately 22 kms south-west of Townsville. The work was to be done virtually by hand with only the most basic of tools. No machinery was provided. They thought they were coming to Australia to help fight a war against the Japanese, they were not even given a single gun. Morale was low, any forms of pleasure had been taken away, denying them all the city offered with nothing to look forward to after their days of arduous toil. They felt they were just black slaves, marooned outside Townsville, given none of the escape afforded to the white soldiers. The white American G.I.s and the Australian white soldiers were the ones that would be involved in the majority of the combat.
When the American troops came to Northern Queensland in early 1942, Australia had a “White Australia Policy”. Australia’s own government’s initial reaction to Negro soldiers was that we didn’t want them.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz [The nation still held strictly to the White Australia policy despite the desperate needs of the war, leading to segregation in poor conditions and discrimination that later sparked riots between black and white GIs in Brisbane].
The ‘White Australia Policy’ was introduced in 1901 and was not totally eliminated until the 1970s. Can you believe there were ‘White Australia’ theatre productions, songs, pins and badges, soaps, and even a ‘White Australia’ brand of sliced pineapple in syrup?
An interesting term I came across was the word ‘peckerwood’. It is a disparaging term for a white person, especially a Southerner (USA). Its origin is due to the woodpecker bird being a symbol of whites, whereas the crow is a symbol of African Americans.
I always have a listen to any references to music in books I am reading. In this case, I thoroughly enjoyed the upbeat jazz and the blues. The African Americans sure do have rhythm in their very souls!
The snake pen mentioned in Val’s pub ‘Browns Bar’, loved reading about that, but finding any references on the internet were fruitless as to whether this sort of thing really existed or exists. Snake vs man's hand on the glass….
The majority of the characters produced an empathy in me, excepting Captain Charles ‘Chuck’ Maxwell, the cowardly and bullying Southerner who took great delight in seeking out a whipping boy, on whom to vent his frustrations and rage.
In 1942, Franklin D. Roosevelt is President of USA, and John Curtin is Prime Minister of Australia. Lyndon B. Johnson, US congressman (future president of USA) is sent to Townsville by Roosevelt to investigate the cause of the Townsville Mutiny.
Recently a James Cook University historian uncovered evidence of the mutiny during research into Congressman (later President) Lyndon B. Johnson's sudden and unexplained 3 day visit to Townsville in 1942. He had found primary documentation to prove that the 96th Battalion did mutiny in an eight-hour siege triggered by racial taunts and violence. He said further evidence was provided by an unpublished report written by a US war correspondent, which was given to Johnson and later filed by the US National Archives and Records Administration.
“The US military guards its secrets very closely”. Information about the Townsville mutiny has never been released to the public.
My curiosity piqued with a reference to an ‘exalted cyclop’ which is mentioned in the book, I did a little research into the heinous Ku Klux Klan (KKK), which is either of two distinct U.S. hate organizations that employed terror in pursuit of their white supremacist agenda. One group was founded immediately after the Civil War and lasted until the 1870s. The other began in 1915 and has continued to the present. The group was presided over by a grand wizard and a descending hierarchy of grand dragons, grand titans, and grand cyclopses. The chief officer of a Klan was an Exalted Cyclops and the subordinate officers were known as the Twelve Terrors. They were all dressed in robes and sheets designed to frighten superstitious Blacks and to prevent identification by the occupying federal troops.
The racist theme of this book very much brought to my mind the current ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests. Will racism ever be stamped out? I think we’ve come a long way, but clearly still a lot of change in attitude and indoctrination to do.
April 12, 2024
First Judy Nunn book that I have read. This book is set in 1942 in Townsville where Black American Soldiers have been posted. The 'White Australia Policy' was in place and racial violence ensues between both American and Australian troops.
The author included so many characters who could have been developed further but I think she wanted to ensure the main character is the racism.
This book is at times very shocking to read, another part of Australia's history that I am sure citizens and the current government are not proud of. But it is a wartime story that comes from fact and shouldn't be kept secret.
The author included so many characters who could have been developed further but I think she wanted to ensure the main character is the racism.
This book is at times very shocking to read, another part of Australia's history that I am sure citizens and the current government are not proud of. But it is a wartime story that comes from fact and shouldn't be kept secret.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews