KSC Book Blab

A Rose for the Anzac Boys

July 21, 2009

by Jackie French

This is a story about 3 young women, who start a canteen in France during World War One.  They care for the flow of soldiers going to and returning from the Front.  Starting with providing food for the soldiers, they end up helping with the huge load of casualties that are being sent by train to hospitals in France and England. 

One of the girls, Midge, can drive a car and is recruited to drive an ambulance to transport the wounded soldiers to the station.  This takes her close to the front lines where she is involved in helping to care for wounded soldiers, straight from the battlefield. 

It is such a moving story, showing the courage involved for both the women volunteers and soldiers in the trenches. There are so many people doing their best to help the soldiers, as the armies were ill equipped. There was not enough food, clothes or medical supplies. Many soldiers suffered from ‘shellshock’ (mental trauma) as well as horrific injuries.

Despite this, the story is uplifting, highlighting the courage shown by the characters in these extreme conditions. The start and finish are set in Australia at an ANZAC Day parade and provide a way into the story for today’s readers.

Mrs S

Entry Filed under: Book of the year, Shortlisted Book 09, War. Tags: world war one.