David Gormley-O'Brien: Author of Australian Historical Fiction
The Human Stories Behind Australia's Coming of Age
The Becoming Australia series explores the defining events and experiences of the first half of the twentieth century through the lives of ordinary Australians caught in extraordinary times.
From the bubonic plague and Federation to the Second World War and its aftermath, these meticulously researched novels bring to life:
- the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- working life on the waterfront during the Great Depression
- the Cowra Breakout
- Italian prisoners of war on rural farms
- nurses under Japanese internment
- the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan
An Attractive Naivety is an epic work of Australian historical fiction spanning the first half of the twentieth century. Through the lives of ordinary men and women, it traces the nation’s journey from Federation and plague to Depression, war, and uneasy peace. Interweaving fictional characters with real events, the novel explores the humour, hardship, courage and contradictions that shaped modern Australia.
Set against the remote Pacific island of Morotai and the ruins of postwar Japan at war’s end, Ashes and Sakura follows Tom Darcy, a young Australian soldier serving with the British Commonwealth occupation forces in Japan after the Second World War. As he encounters the devastation of a defeated nation and forms unexpected bonds with those on the other side of the conflict, the novel explores war, memory, love and reconciliation.
Where to buy
What readers are saying
Ashes and sakuraBruce MildenhallEnjoyed Ashes & Sakura.
Had a feel of authenticity of the era and an intriguing array of motivations/emotions of service personnel, families and individuals.
Economical approach - author chose not to wax lyrical about scenery, reflections and philosophical contemplation that some authors do (suits me!)
Thanks for shedding light on the little described time.
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.