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Scorched Earth: Peacekeeping in Timor during a campaign of death and destruction
As a UN peacekeeper, I joined the East Timorese fight for life. By then, the earth had drunk the blood of one third of their population. But worse was still to come.
I would see it for myself.
I saw bodies carried to their deaths, machetes carve flesh from bone, and bullets spray into crowds of Timorese and at us peacekeepers. I learned the true meaning of fear, hopelessness, and courage. Shades of truth were twisted for evil gain. Every day I prepared to die. Decisions I made, which seemed so right, jeopardized the lives of others.
Police held automatic weapons to my head, militia wrote my name on death lists, and people drew their last breath, all of them brave, braver than me.
For this is the true story of my experience. In the midst of the East Timorese fight for independence, militia were determined to enact their scorched earth policy and raze Timor to the ground.
Timorese voted, Timor burned. It is their story, our story: a story that must be told.
I would see it for myself.
I saw bodies carried to their deaths, machetes carve flesh from bone, and bullets spray into crowds of Timorese and at us peacekeepers. I learned the true meaning of fear, hopelessness, and courage. Shades of truth were twisted for evil gain. Every day I prepared to die. Decisions I made, which seemed so right, jeopardized the lives of others.
Police held automatic weapons to my head, militia wrote my name on death lists, and people drew their last breath, all of them brave, braver than me.
For this is the true story of my experience. In the midst of the East Timorese fight for independence, militia were determined to enact their scorched earth policy and raze Timor to the ground.
Timorese voted, Timor burned. It is their story, our story: a story that must be told.
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Tammy Pemper
5 books69 followersTammy Pemper has worked with the United Nations, Australian Federal Police, and the US Peace Corps to name a few.
The book, Scorched Earth, was completed through five years of interviews and first-hand experiences in Timor-Leste (East Timor). Tammy lived in Timor from 2000-2001, 2004-2006, and 2016-2018. To bring you this book, in 2000 she suffered dengue, where blood seeped from her pores and she needed to be hooked up to a drip in a military makeshift hospital. In 2006, she came under fire during Timor-Leste’s civil unrest. Grenades exploded in the hills behind her house, rounds hit her neighbours’ home, and gunfights erupted in the streets next to her. In 2018, she completed her research and final manuscript. Today, that book is in your hands.
In addition to her passion for writing, Tammy continues to support projects worldwide, and donates the profits of this book back into the Timorese community.
www.tammypemper.com
The book, Scorched Earth, was completed through five years of interviews and first-hand experiences in Timor-Leste (East Timor). Tammy lived in Timor from 2000-2001, 2004-2006, and 2016-2018. To bring you this book, in 2000 she suffered dengue, where blood seeped from her pores and she needed to be hooked up to a drip in a military makeshift hospital. In 2006, she came under fire during Timor-Leste’s civil unrest. Grenades exploded in the hills behind her house, rounds hit her neighbours’ home, and gunfights erupted in the streets next to her. In 2018, she completed her research and final manuscript. Today, that book is in your hands.
In addition to her passion for writing, Tammy continues to support projects worldwide, and donates the profits of this book back into the Timorese community.
www.tammypemper.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 12, 2020
The premise behind this book is fantastic, in terms of learning about our recent history and gaining an understanding of the conflict in East Timor, along with the role of the UN in protecting the integrity of the referendum.
However, the execution really let the book down.
For starters, there were far too many typo’s throughout, so I would suggest the publishers edit it more carefully. Secondly the entire book reads as a journal entry from one of the peacekeepers of his 14 days in Timor, with very little depth and perspective to the conflict beyond this, which leads me to wonder what role Tammy Pemper made in writing it?
Nonetheless, I did learn a lot about Timor, and about peacekeeping in general, whilst the experiences of Peter and the other UN staff was inspiring.
However, the execution really let the book down.
For starters, there were far too many typo’s throughout, so I would suggest the publishers edit it more carefully. Secondly the entire book reads as a journal entry from one of the peacekeepers of his 14 days in Timor, with very little depth and perspective to the conflict beyond this, which leads me to wonder what role Tammy Pemper made in writing it?
Nonetheless, I did learn a lot about Timor, and about peacekeeping in general, whilst the experiences of Peter and the other UN staff was inspiring.
December 11, 2019
I've pasted below some reviews from https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/b...
I am not the best reader of books but this book felt like I was watching a movie. I had goosebumps reading most of the way. Superbly written and gripping account of life before and after the vote in Timor. I wish that we all had of been sent to East Timor sooner to help Peter and the other brave UN peacekeepers. 5 stars isn’t enough. – Shannon French, East Timor Veteran 6RAR 2000
A powerful and well written account of the horrors experienced by the Timorese people seeking their independence and those who went to their aid – Police Peace Keepers – unarmed – it brought tears to my eyes – thank you Tammy for your portrait of this time and place. [Julie W. 5 stars.]
I found this book very revealing of what the East Timorese suffered during the occupation. The bravery and courage of the UN police and military peacekeepers and the Timorese people is beyond belief. This true story is well worth reading for readers to have first hand knowledge of the reality of what the Timorese went through during this time of terror. I couldn’t put it down. [Chris G. 5 stars.]
What an amazing read. The author not only depicts the cruelty, horrors and devastation of a small nation under siege, but also highlights the extraordinary courage and sheer bravery, not only of the peacekeepers, but also of the Timorese people. This is a part of history that should be told and never forgotten. I am not a big reader but once started, I could not put this book down. Tammy Pemper and Peter Watt have illustrated the horrific effects of gross cruelty and intimidation on an innocent nation and the heroic stand by the persecuted inhabitants. Tammy and Peter – a great read, well done. [Ted W. 5 stars.]
I received the book two days ago, and it has been read. I couldn’t put it down. It triggered a lot of memories of a time that none of us who were there will forget. Those who were not there may gain some understanding of what happened but will never truly know the impact that it had on lives, Timorese lives, peacekeepers lives, electoral personnel’s lives. There were things we witnessed in total and absolute certainty that convinced us at the time that the people in charge of everything were professionals at turning a blind eye, putting a good face on, and in reality, lying to the world about the reality within which we were living. While I returned there 2000-2001 with UNTAET, it was good to see the healing that was happening, but there was that undercurrent of tension and horrific memories of the inhumanity which was suffered by the Timorese, a legacy which generations will have to deal with. A compelling read. A must read. [Randy. 5 stars.]
Scorched Earth by Tammy Pemper is a unique narrative-style biography that tells Peter Watt’s story of his service with UNAMET in East Timor between 28/8/99 to 15/9/99. Pemper uses Watt’s voice throughout the story. The effect of which elevates the tension and danger of Watt’s experiences. Through Watt’s eyes you get to feel the fear, anger and frustration he and his colleagues experienced. The increased level of verbal and non-verbal intimidation by the integrationist militia was unrelenting during that polling day and subsequent days and post the result. But nothing could stop the Timorese from casting their vote. Scorched Earth is a very important re-examination of the birth of the fragile democracy that grew out of the referendum result. Pemper and Watt drag the reader into this conflict. Watt’s voice is strong and vulnerable. His fears and frustrations elicit a sense of hopelessness and admiration of, not only his effort and that of all those attached to the UN, but that of the Timorese who stood up to the militia and Indonesia to claim their island for themselves. [Ted B. 5 stars.]
I just couldn’t put this book down and finished it over 5 nights of reading till I just HAD to get some sleep. It’s riveting but dramatic in its presentation and felt for the people so much that you thought you were there right alongside of them helping to fight their battles. But appreciate those that did as I know I would not ever be that brave. Thankyou. [Sue C. 3 stars.]
Tammy and Peter have made a most significant contribution to public awareness of the nature of service of our Aussie Police officers serving in international hotspots. Having served on many Army and AFP deployments myself , this is a gripping account of the stressors involved . It also speaks to the positive humanitarian contribution we are making in the service of peace. I look forward now to the next book and hearing more of their compassion in action response. [Gary S. 5 stars.]
The book was so amazing to read! All I can say is just WOW! I was absolutely hooked from the start. The love the main character has for his Shayhara was so sweet and fairytale worthy. I can’t even tell you the last time I picked up a book, and I never thought I would again but the author has definitely changed that for me. And I am so very thankful for that. I really just want to know so much more. It’s like I’ve got the start of the movie paused and I need to see the rest of it, that’s how I feel. So excited. I can’t wait for the next book. I’ve read Scorched Earth through once and am starting on reading it again. [Talz W. 5 stars.]
The media release promised an unimaginable story of horror, violence and trauma, but also of extraordinary human spirit. Pemper delivered this in her story of Peter Watt’s first fortnight’s experience in East Timor during the time of the referendum and the violent uprisings in response to the result, before the evacuation of the UN ahead of INTERFET. This was a gripping book, full of detail and descriptions that at times made the stomach lurch. It opened with an explanation of the unwritten rules of peacekeeping, the frst being neutrality, and how Watt couldn’t remain neutral in his drive to retain his humanity; a position the book didn’t shirk from holding. I thoroughly recommend it to all, but particularly to those of you teaching Australia’s Engagement with Asia in Year 12, or Movements for Peace and Security in Year 11. [Alycia B. 5 stars.]
I am not the best reader of books but this book felt like I was watching a movie. I had goosebumps reading most of the way. Superbly written and gripping account of life before and after the vote in Timor. I wish that we all had of been sent to East Timor sooner to help Peter and the other brave UN peacekeepers. 5 stars isn’t enough. – Shannon French, East Timor Veteran 6RAR 2000
A powerful and well written account of the horrors experienced by the Timorese people seeking their independence and those who went to their aid – Police Peace Keepers – unarmed – it brought tears to my eyes – thank you Tammy for your portrait of this time and place. [Julie W. 5 stars.]
I found this book very revealing of what the East Timorese suffered during the occupation. The bravery and courage of the UN police and military peacekeepers and the Timorese people is beyond belief. This true story is well worth reading for readers to have first hand knowledge of the reality of what the Timorese went through during this time of terror. I couldn’t put it down. [Chris G. 5 stars.]
What an amazing read. The author not only depicts the cruelty, horrors and devastation of a small nation under siege, but also highlights the extraordinary courage and sheer bravery, not only of the peacekeepers, but also of the Timorese people. This is a part of history that should be told and never forgotten. I am not a big reader but once started, I could not put this book down. Tammy Pemper and Peter Watt have illustrated the horrific effects of gross cruelty and intimidation on an innocent nation and the heroic stand by the persecuted inhabitants. Tammy and Peter – a great read, well done. [Ted W. 5 stars.]
I received the book two days ago, and it has been read. I couldn’t put it down. It triggered a lot of memories of a time that none of us who were there will forget. Those who were not there may gain some understanding of what happened but will never truly know the impact that it had on lives, Timorese lives, peacekeepers lives, electoral personnel’s lives. There were things we witnessed in total and absolute certainty that convinced us at the time that the people in charge of everything were professionals at turning a blind eye, putting a good face on, and in reality, lying to the world about the reality within which we were living. While I returned there 2000-2001 with UNTAET, it was good to see the healing that was happening, but there was that undercurrent of tension and horrific memories of the inhumanity which was suffered by the Timorese, a legacy which generations will have to deal with. A compelling read. A must read. [Randy. 5 stars.]
Scorched Earth by Tammy Pemper is a unique narrative-style biography that tells Peter Watt’s story of his service with UNAMET in East Timor between 28/8/99 to 15/9/99. Pemper uses Watt’s voice throughout the story. The effect of which elevates the tension and danger of Watt’s experiences. Through Watt’s eyes you get to feel the fear, anger and frustration he and his colleagues experienced. The increased level of verbal and non-verbal intimidation by the integrationist militia was unrelenting during that polling day and subsequent days and post the result. But nothing could stop the Timorese from casting their vote. Scorched Earth is a very important re-examination of the birth of the fragile democracy that grew out of the referendum result. Pemper and Watt drag the reader into this conflict. Watt’s voice is strong and vulnerable. His fears and frustrations elicit a sense of hopelessness and admiration of, not only his effort and that of all those attached to the UN, but that of the Timorese who stood up to the militia and Indonesia to claim their island for themselves. [Ted B. 5 stars.]
I just couldn’t put this book down and finished it over 5 nights of reading till I just HAD to get some sleep. It’s riveting but dramatic in its presentation and felt for the people so much that you thought you were there right alongside of them helping to fight their battles. But appreciate those that did as I know I would not ever be that brave. Thankyou. [Sue C. 3 stars.]
Tammy and Peter have made a most significant contribution to public awareness of the nature of service of our Aussie Police officers serving in international hotspots. Having served on many Army and AFP deployments myself , this is a gripping account of the stressors involved . It also speaks to the positive humanitarian contribution we are making in the service of peace. I look forward now to the next book and hearing more of their compassion in action response. [Gary S. 5 stars.]
The book was so amazing to read! All I can say is just WOW! I was absolutely hooked from the start. The love the main character has for his Shayhara was so sweet and fairytale worthy. I can’t even tell you the last time I picked up a book, and I never thought I would again but the author has definitely changed that for me. And I am so very thankful for that. I really just want to know so much more. It’s like I’ve got the start of the movie paused and I need to see the rest of it, that’s how I feel. So excited. I can’t wait for the next book. I’ve read Scorched Earth through once and am starting on reading it again. [Talz W. 5 stars.]
The media release promised an unimaginable story of horror, violence and trauma, but also of extraordinary human spirit. Pemper delivered this in her story of Peter Watt’s first fortnight’s experience in East Timor during the time of the referendum and the violent uprisings in response to the result, before the evacuation of the UN ahead of INTERFET. This was a gripping book, full of detail and descriptions that at times made the stomach lurch. It opened with an explanation of the unwritten rules of peacekeeping, the frst being neutrality, and how Watt couldn’t remain neutral in his drive to retain his humanity; a position the book didn’t shirk from holding. I thoroughly recommend it to all, but particularly to those of you teaching Australia’s Engagement with Asia in Year 12, or Movements for Peace and Security in Year 11. [Alycia B. 5 stars.]
January 18, 2022
Scorched Earth
Excellent well written recent history of a modern day tragedy. The story told from the perspective of an Australian policeman and a group of United Nations Peacekeepers. The country of East Timor is holding a referendum on independence from Indonesia. The story story showcases the catastrophic failure of the United Nations that cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians.
Excellent well written recent history of a modern day tragedy. The story told from the perspective of an Australian policeman and a group of United Nations Peacekeepers. The country of East Timor is holding a referendum on independence from Indonesia. The story story showcases the catastrophic failure of the United Nations that cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians.
July 4, 2024
This author takes you on a journey few people have tread or would even want to.
The courage shown by this peace keeper in question shows amazing courage in the face of extreme danger and an even stronger will that refused to be beaten and destroyed by the Timorese fighters.
Such courage should never go unnoticed.
Scorched Earth tells it how it is and what these peace keepers have to endure.
It's an absolutely awesome read.
The courage shown by this peace keeper in question shows amazing courage in the face of extreme danger and an even stronger will that refused to be beaten and destroyed by the Timorese fighters.
Such courage should never go unnoticed.
Scorched Earth tells it how it is and what these peace keepers have to endure.
It's an absolutely awesome read.
September 4, 2024
Such an insight into an incredible time in Timor Leate’s violent journey to independence
March 31, 2023
"Australia signed a treaty with Indonesia, giving them authority to land in Timor yet you're here and your people are suddenly calling in an invasion not an agreement"
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews