I can highly recommend it. Thank you for allowing me to read an advance copy.
Dr Jake Friedman decides to leave civilian life and join the Second Australian Imperial Force before conscription arrives. His parents have passed away, a musician sister, Miriam, has been unwell for years following an abusive marriage and his remaining sister is a music teacher giving free lessons to a neighbour, Tommy Whipple. On the ship taking him to New Britain Island, east of what is now Papua New Guinea, he treats Seaman Lee who has fallen foul of a bully. His care and kindness to the man, and many others, becomes a debt to be repaid. He also treats Captain John 'Wip' Whipple in the ship's hospital, who took on the bully in an unauthorised fight. They find great happiness in each other in Rabaul, where they are posted, the shadow of war looms closer and when the Japanese army invade they are taken prisoner. But will he and Wip survive to find freedom? I enjoyed this story, despite the horrific scenes after the Japanese invasion. The research was obviously meticulous and highly personal. The relationship between the two men is treated with respect and sensitivity and is an important part of, but not the whole, story. The scenery, flora and fauna on New Britain is clearly drawn as is the local town and the people. I can highly recommend it. Thank you for allowing me to read an advance copy.
Linda Amos, A LoveReading Ambassador