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.
Where to buy
What readers are saying
An Attractive NaivetySamantha RixonA moving multi-generational story spanning from the early to mid 1900s, with the characters experiencing some of the major milestones of the times. I cried, I laughed and learned a whole lot about Australian modern history along the way. I absolutely loved it.
Ashes and sakuraAnna HainesI really liked this way of learning about Australia's history. There is such a beauty to the characters in the book, their passions, love and tenderness. The lightness on character depth allowed me to remember that this story is actually about real events in history and real experiences and dilemmas. Meanwhile those reflections on the last page stay with me still.
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.
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)
