Hard Jacka

by Michael Lawriwsky

Michael Lawriwsky's insightful Hard Jacka breathes life into the real man behind the legend of Albert Jacka, VC– 'Jacka' to his superiors, 'Bert' to his mates, 'our Albert' to his proud mother.Hard Jacka is a superb account of the man whose acts of selfless heroism at Gallipoli would win him a VC, whose insubordination antagonised his seniors and whose bravery in the battlefields of France would win him the unswerving loyalty of his mates.Hard Jacka is a rich and fascinating story about Albert Jacka and the Great War, its heroes and anti–heroes, their sacrifice, determination and larrikin humour. It's a compelling tale about the deep bonds that life in the trenches developed between men– the quintessential Aussie mateship.

Genres: History, Biography

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Gary Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First World War through the eyes of this amazing man. Made better, but not bogged down with, historical information as it unfolded.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good book. Worth a read.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a present and not something I would necessarily have picked up myself. It is about Albert Jacka, the first Australian VC from WW1 complete with unpleasant graphic descriptions of Gallipoli and various battles on the front in Europe. My usual reticence to read books about war was overcome by the author making the characters come alive early on. Whilst sticking very closely to historical fact Lawriwsky gives the various characters their own voice, thoughts and feelings. I learnt a great deal about general trench warfare, which was interesting, and specifics about the various bungles made by commanding officers giving orders that were not necessarily based on what was happening in the field, which was disturbing.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arguably our greatest soldier ever, and certainly one of the names easily remembered when Gallipoli is mentioned. Albert Jacka's career in the Australian Imperial Force (which netted him a Victoria Cross and a Military Cross with bar) is brought to life spectacularly by Michael Lawriwsky, who, by breathing life - emotion, thought, feeling - into the history book figure we all read about in high school, has done a wonderful service to this country. Highly recommended.