Lachlan's War

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Good book from an interesting new author. - Rated
This is a book worth reading. Its main strength comes from Cannon's diverse characters and their compelling histories and interactions. All of the characters are believable, their dilemmas and prejudices are real and relevant today. The prose is well written - no need to skim superfluous waffle - Cannon does not waste his words. His imagery is refreshingly direct and contrasts well with the underlying tenderness of the novel. Cannon has delivered a poignant tale with well placed humour - forget Richard and Judy - read this!

A moving tale of life during wartime - Rated
What a great book - I was sorry to finish it. It's beautifully written but the author doesn't sacrifice plot for style - in fact there's a great deal of action. The growing relationship between the cynical but humane village doctor Lachlan and the mysterious refugee boy "Frank" is skilfully developed, with the reader learning about Frank's tragic past very gradually, just as Lachlan does. The kindness shown to Frank by Lachlan, and by Gail the teacher, balances the sadness and cruelty portrayed elsewhere in the book, where the author graphically describes sexual and domestic violence as well as culture clashes between incomers and locals (there's a wonderful moment where Gail faces down a religious bigot who doesn't want her to teach kids about evolution). The explosive ending is perhaps a little predictable but nonetheless a powerful scene. I was left wondering what happened to the surviving characters after the war - maybe the author will write a sequel?