Welcome to Nihil Alienum
Books and blogs by David Gormley-O'Brien
Spanning Federation, two world wars, the Depression, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Cowra Breakout, the British Commonwealth occupation of Japan and the long road to peace, the Becoming Australia series captures the humour, hardship, and humanity of ordinary Australians living in extraordinary times.
For readers who cherish meticulously researched historical fiction, An Attractive Naivety and Ashes and Sakura together form a vivid, unflinching, and ultimately hopeful account of Australia’s coming of age in the twentieth century.
What readers are saying
An Attractive NaivetyTom HartDavid Gormley-O'Brien brings History to life. As a "War Baby" I was brought up with a Grandfather who served in WWI and a father who served in WWII. Neither wanted to talk about their war service.
Reading well researched historical accounts of the Great Wars is informative but David's conversion of well researched history into fiction conveys an actual feeling of the lived experience of families affected by war service.
An Attractive NaivetyLinda FitzpatrickI love it when a writer weaves historical events into the lives of believable characters in a way that engages the reader, rather than coming across as a history lesson! The multi-generational characters in An Attractive Naivety brings to life some little-known facts in Australia's history, and highlighted the strength and resilience of the people during those difficult times. I particularly enjoyed learning about Kathleen Butler's role in the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and what an inspiration she became to women both in Australia and in England. The book was well-paced, rich in detail and a pleasure to read.
Ashes and sakuraCarolineI enjoyed Ashes and Sakura even more than David’s previous book An Attractive Naivety. It is a rich blending of historical detail with an engaging story following the experiences of members of the Darcy and Davis families during the Second World War. I found it hard to put down. Can’t wait for the next book of the series to be available.
Reviews on Goodreads
An Attractive Naivety - Australia as a new nation in a complex world
ratings: 24 (avg rating 4.79)
Ashes and Sakura: An Australian story of the making of a Pacific nation (Becoming Australia Book 2)
ratings: 10 (avg rating 4.70)
Recent blog posts
Sources for Japanese breakout from Cowra Prisoner of War Camp
At 1.50 am on 5 August 1944, almost a thousand Japanese prisoners-of-war interned at No. 12 Prisoner of War Camp, Cowra, NSW, staged a mass breakout. 22 Garrison Battalion was assign as the camp guard. Armed with improvised weapons including baseball bats and sharpened mess knives the Japanese stormed the prison barb-wire fences. 234 Japanese prisoners died with 108 wounded. Four Australian guards were killed, with four wounded (three by friendly fire).
