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What If You Fly?
For Frances Davies the war is far away, and she and best friend Maggie are more concerned with how to spend their time once they graduate high school. That is, until Frances’s older brother, Thomas, is reported MIA in Singapore.
When Frances meets Leo, a boat-loving immigrant from Italy, she falls in love. Local attitudes and something more sinister tear them apart. To what lengths will Frances go to find her brother and the man she loves?
The woman code-named Funnel Web bears little resemblance to innocent Frances Davies.
Home beckons… and those who betrayed her true love should pay attention.
A page-turning epic historical adventure that starts in Australia and travels the world through the eyes of Frances, code named Funnel Web.
When Frances meets Leo, a boat-loving immigrant from Italy, she falls in love. Local attitudes and something more sinister tear them apart. To what lengths will Frances go to find her brother and the man she loves?
The woman code-named Funnel Web bears little resemblance to innocent Frances Davies.
Home beckons… and those who betrayed her true love should pay attention.
A page-turning epic historical adventure that starts in Australia and travels the world through the eyes of Frances, code named Funnel Web.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
250 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2021
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 4, 2022
Camille Booker has given us an action packed first novel!
The characters were so engaging right from the start. We meet Frances a modest suburban Australian girl with a fiery spirit. Then Leo, the Italian immigrant who wins her heart. His life is not easy. When World War 2 comes we watch Frances grow and develop as she discovers what she is really made of. Leo shows us what devotion to family and friends means.
From quiet suburban Australia to the war-torn towns of Europe, we travel with Frances on her journey of discovery of herself and her love.
It was very exciting to venture through war time Europe in the 40’s but I especially found the story of the Italian interment camps extremely sad but interesting.
Well researched historical facts intertwined with a fast-paced adventure and a love story make this a novel appealing on so many levels.
Camille’s use of descriptive language of person and place allows one’s imagination to flow as well as linking it to historical fact.
I would recommend this to any reader who loves a World War 2 story, crime with a backdrop of love.
Well done for your first effort!
5/5
The characters were so engaging right from the start. We meet Frances a modest suburban Australian girl with a fiery spirit. Then Leo, the Italian immigrant who wins her heart. His life is not easy. When World War 2 comes we watch Frances grow and develop as she discovers what she is really made of. Leo shows us what devotion to family and friends means.
From quiet suburban Australia to the war-torn towns of Europe, we travel with Frances on her journey of discovery of herself and her love.
It was very exciting to venture through war time Europe in the 40’s but I especially found the story of the Italian interment camps extremely sad but interesting.
Well researched historical facts intertwined with a fast-paced adventure and a love story make this a novel appealing on so many levels.
Camille’s use of descriptive language of person and place allows one’s imagination to flow as well as linking it to historical fact.
I would recommend this to any reader who loves a World War 2 story, crime with a backdrop of love.
Well done for your first effort!
5/5
December 13, 2023
very weird reading a book that happens in all the suburbs you grew up in
December 27, 2021
I loved this book!!
The twists and turns in the storyline demand your attention and the depth of each character allows for an emotional connection. Also, the ending is soooo satisfying. I have recommended this book to all of my mates and would 100% recommend you read it too :)
The twists and turns in the storyline demand your attention and the depth of each character allows for an emotional connection. Also, the ending is soooo satisfying. I have recommended this book to all of my mates and would 100% recommend you read it too :)
September 17, 2022
Like no historical fiction novel I have ever read before!!!! What an adventure!!! What a romance!!!! Such a big busy story of a debut and I cannot wait to read whatever Camille Booker writes next!! I love Frances and Leo, I loved seeing my Sutherland Shire in the 1940s..this is such a great novel and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to accidentally reread it because I missed out on goodreads-ing it!!!
November 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical book set in Sydney in the 1940’s.
The young protagonist Frances, is more concerned about finishing school and falling in love than the war that is raging around the world until her brother is reported missing in action. Her blossoming romance with an Italian migrant Leo is fraught with the prejudices of the time. She believes he has been sent away as a prisoner of war.
Frances goes to great lengths to find out what happened to the man she loves and the brother she believes is still alive.
An adventure that takes the reader to Egypt,England, France, Russia and China, this story is a real page turner. I highly recommend this book. A fabulous effort from a young author.
The young protagonist Frances, is more concerned about finishing school and falling in love than the war that is raging around the world until her brother is reported missing in action. Her blossoming romance with an Italian migrant Leo is fraught with the prejudices of the time. She believes he has been sent away as a prisoner of war.
Frances goes to great lengths to find out what happened to the man she loves and the brother she believes is still alive.
An adventure that takes the reader to Egypt,England, France, Russia and China, this story is a real page turner. I highly recommend this book. A fabulous effort from a young author.
February 14, 2022
Book 9: What if you fly?
I really enjoyed this debut by local Aussie Camille Booker 🌟. It’s unlike other historical fiction I’ve read, with a strong sense of adventure added in, along with a plethora of twists and turns. Some scenes are heartfelt, slow and nostalgic - while others are fast and almost fantastical, insanely daring or just a bit scary. It was quite fun being taken by surprise a few times!
👩✈️
I would love to see some scenes on the big screen….
Human emotions feature strongly - ranging from pure untempered evil, to cheeky opportunists, to selfish ‘best friends’, to spades of bravery and resilience. And hurt, loneliness and sheer bloody determination are woven through as well.
Frankie, the main character, has a really strong storyline and we walk by her side every step of the way while she grows up quickly in response to what’s happening around her.
Some parts felt a bit rushed and I would have loved a few more details before starting the next chapter, but that’s probably me being greedy. The story covers lots of locations and events during WWII, especially ones that are very close to where I live which was a bit surreal and special.
I’m a bit sad it’s over, but I knew it wouldn’t last forever.
Well done on a great book Camille - you’ve cleverly mixed historical fiction with a galloping plot and a sweet dose of romance.
8.5/10
#bookreview #historicalfiction #australianauthor #whatifyoufly #hawkespublishers #storytelling
I really enjoyed this debut by local Aussie Camille Booker 🌟. It’s unlike other historical fiction I’ve read, with a strong sense of adventure added in, along with a plethora of twists and turns. Some scenes are heartfelt, slow and nostalgic - while others are fast and almost fantastical, insanely daring or just a bit scary. It was quite fun being taken by surprise a few times!
👩✈️
I would love to see some scenes on the big screen….
Human emotions feature strongly - ranging from pure untempered evil, to cheeky opportunists, to selfish ‘best friends’, to spades of bravery and resilience. And hurt, loneliness and sheer bloody determination are woven through as well.
Frankie, the main character, has a really strong storyline and we walk by her side every step of the way while she grows up quickly in response to what’s happening around her.
Some parts felt a bit rushed and I would have loved a few more details before starting the next chapter, but that’s probably me being greedy. The story covers lots of locations and events during WWII, especially ones that are very close to where I live which was a bit surreal and special.
I’m a bit sad it’s over, but I knew it wouldn’t last forever.
Well done on a great book Camille - you’ve cleverly mixed historical fiction with a galloping plot and a sweet dose of romance.
8.5/10
#bookreview #historicalfiction #australianauthor #whatifyoufly #hawkespublishers #storytelling
February 7, 2022
A story to make you swoon, despair, rage and rejoice!
I'm rather partial to a bit of historical fiction and within that genre I quite like a WWII tale but this is so much more than a war story. Opening in Como, NSW in 1940 we meet Frances - a bookish girl, in a small town governed by a corrupt police-force. When Frances shirks small-minded sentiments and falls for Italian immigrant, Leo, she believes real life is just beginning but when Leo is framed for an unspeakable crime, and Frances' ties to her hometown are severed, she embarks upon a life-altering journey of courage taking her to the very heart of the war.
There is so much story in this fast-paced novel inspired by the oft-overlooked bravery of women in wartime. Frances and Leo's love affair is sublime and the foreboding that Booker laces in is butterfly-inducing. It is so easy to transpose your own feelings onto Frances, to wonder what you would do if you believed the love of your life had been sent to the frontline as part of a penal battalion. Frances' journey from mechanic to fighter pilot to spy takes her as far as a P-40 Tomahawk above the cloud-line and as close as a Nazi's bedsheets. This is a book that will make you swoon, despair, rage and rejoice.
I'm rather partial to a bit of historical fiction and within that genre I quite like a WWII tale but this is so much more than a war story. Opening in Como, NSW in 1940 we meet Frances - a bookish girl, in a small town governed by a corrupt police-force. When Frances shirks small-minded sentiments and falls for Italian immigrant, Leo, she believes real life is just beginning but when Leo is framed for an unspeakable crime, and Frances' ties to her hometown are severed, she embarks upon a life-altering journey of courage taking her to the very heart of the war.
There is so much story in this fast-paced novel inspired by the oft-overlooked bravery of women in wartime. Frances and Leo's love affair is sublime and the foreboding that Booker laces in is butterfly-inducing. It is so easy to transpose your own feelings onto Frances, to wonder what you would do if you believed the love of your life had been sent to the frontline as part of a penal battalion. Frances' journey from mechanic to fighter pilot to spy takes her as far as a P-40 Tomahawk above the cloud-line and as close as a Nazi's bedsheets. This is a book that will make you swoon, despair, rage and rejoice.
December 14, 2022
For Frances Davies, the war is far away, and she and best friend Maggie are more concerned with how to spend their time once they graduate high school. That is, until Frances's older brother, Thomas, is reported MIA in Singapore. When Frances meets Leo, a boat-loving immigrant from Italy, she falls in love. Local attitudes and something more sinister tear them apart. To what lengths will Frances go to find her brother and the man she loves? The woman code-named Funnel Web bears little resemblance to little Frances Davies.
Home beckons... and those who betrayed the man she loved should pay attention.
Como is a suburb in southern Sydney,NSW, located on the southern banks of the Georges River.
It is in the local government area of the Sutherland Shire. Jannali is one of the neighbouring suburbs. Como West was originally created in 1939 from within the Greater Como locality and is bounded to the west by the Woronara River.
Well, before it became Como, the locality had previously been known as Woronora.
In 1922, the postal locality of Woronora was changed to Como upon a suggestion offered by Mr. James Frederick Murphy, manager of the Holt-Sutherland Co. and the affairs of Thomas Holt (1811–1888),who at the time owned much of the land that stretched from Sutherland to Cronulla. Mr. Murphy likened the area to its namesake in Italy on account of its similarity to Lake Como at the foot of the Lepontine Alps and Lugano Prealps.
The Italian influence on the suburb is also reflected in many of the existing street names, which were named after various cities located throughout Italy.
By early 1884, the Murphy brothers partnership had been built and were managing the first commercial boathouse and boat hire facilities at Como, which is located just east of where the rail bridge over the Georges River was later to be constructed.
RAF Fayid in Egypt was used as a military airfield by the RAF Desert Air Force and the USAAF during the North African Campaign.
Penal military units or battalions or companies are military formations consisting of convicts mobilised for military service.They are a form of discipline in lieu of imprisonment or capital punishment.
Home beckons... and those who betrayed the man she loved should pay attention.
Como is a suburb in southern Sydney,NSW, located on the southern banks of the Georges River.
It is in the local government area of the Sutherland Shire. Jannali is one of the neighbouring suburbs. Como West was originally created in 1939 from within the Greater Como locality and is bounded to the west by the Woronara River.
Well, before it became Como, the locality had previously been known as Woronora.
In 1922, the postal locality of Woronora was changed to Como upon a suggestion offered by Mr. James Frederick Murphy, manager of the Holt-Sutherland Co. and the affairs of Thomas Holt (1811–1888),who at the time owned much of the land that stretched from Sutherland to Cronulla. Mr. Murphy likened the area to its namesake in Italy on account of its similarity to Lake Como at the foot of the Lepontine Alps and Lugano Prealps.
The Italian influence on the suburb is also reflected in many of the existing street names, which were named after various cities located throughout Italy.
By early 1884, the Murphy brothers partnership had been built and were managing the first commercial boathouse and boat hire facilities at Como, which is located just east of where the rail bridge over the Georges River was later to be constructed.
RAF Fayid in Egypt was used as a military airfield by the RAF Desert Air Force and the USAAF during the North African Campaign.
Penal military units or battalions or companies are military formations consisting of convicts mobilised for military service.They are a form of discipline in lieu of imprisonment or capital punishment.
June 14, 2022
I was recently gifted a copy of this debut novel by Wollongong local, @camillebookerauthor, to read and review. As a lover of historical fiction, this WW2 inspired novel was definitely my cup of tea!
The novel follows the life of Frankie, a young woman who has grown up in a small Australian town. As the war intensifies overseas readers follow the life of Frankie as she struggles to find her place in society. Readers are exposed to the multifaceted world of 1940s Australia, ripe with racism, corruption and violence, which ultimately reaches its head when Frankie’s immigrant lover is sent overseas as part of the war effort. In order to get him back, Frankie decides to take a leap and follow him across the world.
This was a fast paced read, with very short and snappy chapters. It’s easy to fit What If You Fly into your busy schedule, as a lot can happen in as little as 3 pages!
While sometimes I felt the novel moved a little too fast to what I am used to, I found that this meant that there was never a lull in the story. This allowed us to accompany Frankie in her numerous adventures, as Booker expertly crafts a vivid depiction of women within the wartime effort.
Not only did I love exploring WW2 from the perspective of a woman, but I enjoyed the sharp descriptions that helped to make this story so immersive and enjoyable.
Praise to @camillebookerauthor for this fantastic effort!
The novel follows the life of Frankie, a young woman who has grown up in a small Australian town. As the war intensifies overseas readers follow the life of Frankie as she struggles to find her place in society. Readers are exposed to the multifaceted world of 1940s Australia, ripe with racism, corruption and violence, which ultimately reaches its head when Frankie’s immigrant lover is sent overseas as part of the war effort. In order to get him back, Frankie decides to take a leap and follow him across the world.
This was a fast paced read, with very short and snappy chapters. It’s easy to fit What If You Fly into your busy schedule, as a lot can happen in as little as 3 pages!
While sometimes I felt the novel moved a little too fast to what I am used to, I found that this meant that there was never a lull in the story. This allowed us to accompany Frankie in her numerous adventures, as Booker expertly crafts a vivid depiction of women within the wartime effort.
Not only did I love exploring WW2 from the perspective of a woman, but I enjoyed the sharp descriptions that helped to make this story so immersive and enjoyable.
Praise to @camillebookerauthor for this fantastic effort!
March 29, 2022
Girl power in WWII!
What If You Fly? starts with a scene that is uncomfortably intoxicating, and it’s obvious straight away that @camillebookerauthor has captured the mood of 1940s Australia with raw authenticity.
There’s a boy performing atrocious acts and the girl who falls in love anyway. There’s racial injustice and war. A crime is committed. And then there’s Frankie. A girl who is so much more than meets the eye. A peach among a field of weeds.
This story is full of action. It was interesting to read about the roles women played in WWII that I didn’t know as much about. Frankie grows through her hardships and blossoms with determination.
Ending with a court case that should have been heard years prior, Frankie learns that justice works in mysterious ways. And when her heart is whole again everything’s peachy.
An epic debut novel!
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book, I’m so grateful. If you’d like to read more about Camille, check out my interview www.kellysgroi.com
Happy Reading!
Kelly 🧡
What If You Fly? starts with a scene that is uncomfortably intoxicating, and it’s obvious straight away that @camillebookerauthor has captured the mood of 1940s Australia with raw authenticity.
There’s a boy performing atrocious acts and the girl who falls in love anyway. There’s racial injustice and war. A crime is committed. And then there’s Frankie. A girl who is so much more than meets the eye. A peach among a field of weeds.
This story is full of action. It was interesting to read about the roles women played in WWII that I didn’t know as much about. Frankie grows through her hardships and blossoms with determination.
Ending with a court case that should have been heard years prior, Frankie learns that justice works in mysterious ways. And when her heart is whole again everything’s peachy.
An epic debut novel!
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book, I’m so grateful. If you’d like to read more about Camille, check out my interview www.kellysgroi.com
Happy Reading!
Kelly 🧡
August 5, 2024
If you enjoy books by Kristin Hannah and Natasha Lester, you will love Camille Booker's debut novel. Set in Australia and Europe during the WWII, the book explores themes of racism and the impacts of war on ordinary people's lives by following the life of young Frances, a conservative and bookish girl whose life is transformed when she learns her brother is missing in action in Singapore. The shy teenager from Como, NSW, grows into courageous womanhood, determined to do everything for the people she loves. From spy (code name funnel web) to fighter pilot, Frances is resolute in her quest.
Camille also exposes the not-so-pleasant issue of how we treat migrants in Australia and how many were interned during the war. It is a topic not discussed often enough in fiction, and sadly the same attitudes prevail today. Camille's heroine Frances demonstrates the power of love to overcome prejudice, as she is prepared to go to any lengths in her quest for justice.
Meticulously researched, this book is a must-read for those who enjoy strong female characters and historical fiction.
Camille also exposes the not-so-pleasant issue of how we treat migrants in Australia and how many were interned during the war. It is a topic not discussed often enough in fiction, and sadly the same attitudes prevail today. Camille's heroine Frances demonstrates the power of love to overcome prejudice, as she is prepared to go to any lengths in her quest for justice.
Meticulously researched, this book is a must-read for those who enjoy strong female characters and historical fiction.
April 12, 2022
Whilst I really enjoyed the historical part of this book ,especially as I lost an uncle in the 2/21st Battalion at Ambon, there were parts that were almost fantasy. Too many twists & turns . Too many plots and, for me, too many unbelievable , unrealistic occurrences.
I would’ve enjoyed it more if Francis remained a spy and perhaps ended up in Hainan, missing some of the other adventures she had .
I also felt that some of the reactions of some of the characters were a little bit far-fetched. There were times when I would’ve enjoyed a bit more description of what was happening and other times when I would have liked a bit less . For example , when she finally discovers Leo in Cowra and he reacts so negatively to the time ,not long after, when all is ok . Something didn’t gel with me .. the turnaround all seemed too simple .
I’d like to read more from Camille Booker .. perhaps a simpler storyline. This was very ambitious for a first time novel.
I would’ve enjoyed it more if Francis remained a spy and perhaps ended up in Hainan, missing some of the other adventures she had .
I also felt that some of the reactions of some of the characters were a little bit far-fetched. There were times when I would’ve enjoyed a bit more description of what was happening and other times when I would have liked a bit less . For example , when she finally discovers Leo in Cowra and he reacts so negatively to the time ,not long after, when all is ok . Something didn’t gel with me .. the turnaround all seemed too simple .
I’d like to read more from Camille Booker .. perhaps a simpler storyline. This was very ambitious for a first time novel.
August 6, 2022
This was a fast-paced and fun read, and the first historical fiction I've read that is set near Sydney - it was an interesting feeling seeing the names of places I'm familiar with pop out along the book.
The time jump from one chapter to another are often weeks long, so it was quite jarring to read some scenes as it felt like everything happened too soon (Frances going from London to Paris to China) without much time for me to really absorb the different lives she was leading in each of those countries. I also felt like Frances changed way too suddenly once she became the Funnel Web, even killing people (though we don't really see the consequences that had on her). Also considering how much she loved Leo, she barely thought about him for a good chunk of the book, which I felt was a tad bit unrealistic. But I did love how strong and badass she became as the Funnel Web. And another thing I appreciated was the level of detail in which the author wrote some of the more technical scenes regarding flying planes - though I know nothing about flying planes, it made it seem more believable. Overall, an enjoyable action-packed read that can easily be finished in a day or two.
The time jump from one chapter to another are often weeks long, so it was quite jarring to read some scenes as it felt like everything happened too soon (Frances going from London to Paris to China) without much time for me to really absorb the different lives she was leading in each of those countries. I also felt like Frances changed way too suddenly once she became the Funnel Web, even killing people (though we don't really see the consequences that had on her). Also considering how much she loved Leo, she barely thought about him for a good chunk of the book, which I felt was a tad bit unrealistic. But I did love how strong and badass she became as the Funnel Web. And another thing I appreciated was the level of detail in which the author wrote some of the more technical scenes regarding flying planes - though I know nothing about flying planes, it made it seem more believable. Overall, an enjoyable action-packed read that can easily be finished in a day or two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2023
Booker writes with a beautiful flow that sits you comfortably in the cockpit of a wild ride. When I got the chance to sit down and read it I couldn't stop!
Frances's story is nothing short of empowering. Growing from a shire girl in love, to a salacious jazz singing spy, to an air force pilot soloing a POW camp, her integrity, courage and resilience is something to aspire to. Naturally it does not bode well to romanticise such a dark period in our history, but there is no sugar-coating the brutality of war in this book. There is struggle, tragedy and trauma sprinkled in to weave a beautiful story that makes the world seem hopeful even when you want to shrink from all the damage it has done to you. I could really see this developing into a miniseries of some kind, or even a film if treated with respect. I sincerely hope it does!
Frances's story is nothing short of empowering. Growing from a shire girl in love, to a salacious jazz singing spy, to an air force pilot soloing a POW camp, her integrity, courage and resilience is something to aspire to. Naturally it does not bode well to romanticise such a dark period in our history, but there is no sugar-coating the brutality of war in this book. There is struggle, tragedy and trauma sprinkled in to weave a beautiful story that makes the world seem hopeful even when you want to shrink from all the damage it has done to you. I could really see this developing into a miniseries of some kind, or even a film if treated with respect. I sincerely hope it does!
August 15, 2022
This book is epic. I love that it has a kick-ass female lead, and that we see the character of Frances change and grow so much through the novel as she responds to the challenges life throws her way. This period in WW2 saw women having to step up and do things that men traditionally did. We read it about them sometimes in supporting roles, but this book and this character really had me cheering. I was also fascinated that the internment of Italian immigrants in Australia as foreign enemies during the war was a real thing! I had no idea. I was surprised to discover that this is Booker's debut novel - it's incredibly well written. Kudos to the author for an excellent historical fiction. I loved this book. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2022
Such an amazing read! Set in the sutherland shire, this historical fiction book is an amazing read. The female lead is such an inspirational character and you will find yourself cheering for her along the way. I couldn't put the book down, and have recommended it to so many friends and family who have all loved it. Do yourself a favour and try it even if it isn't your usual genre.
September 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It was visual, exciting and at times heart wrenching. With romance, history, action, there really is something for everyone. What I loved most was that it's the type of book that really transports you, makes you feel.
This is the perfect easy, summer read for on the beach or by the pool. I cant reccommend more highly.
This is the perfect easy, summer read for on the beach or by the pool. I cant reccommend more highly.
January 1, 2023
I could not put this book down! Loved it from beginning to end. All the twists and turns I could not see coming and such a satisfying ending. Beautifully written with such clear imagery of the setting and characters, I was living in this world vividly throughout. A terrific historical fiction book.
Can’t wait for the next book from Camille!
Can’t wait for the next book from Camille!
January 14, 2023
Epic. This has everything in it that I love about an historical fiction novel - strong, smart female protagonist who had me rooting for her until the end, and fascinating historical settings. Loved being transported back in time on this worldwide adventure with Francis. Written with a deft and refined touch, Booker’s storytelling had me intrigued through to the very last page.
January 8, 2024
Camille Booker is an intelligent author who has magnificently brought to life the era of World War II in both Australia and Europe. Fances is a strong character and I thoroughly enjoyed following her journey and development as a character. Beautifully written, well researched, authentic, heart wrenching. Fans of historical fiction will love this book.
September 4, 2022
What a great read. A historical WWII novel that offers many unexpected twists and turns which makes this book one that is difficult to put down. Set in Sydney, Australia, Camille has been able to develop a number of strong characters who grow throughout out the book. Camille has a great ability to describe the various settings in such concise detail that you can visualise a mental image of the characters and events that take place. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews