Title: The Warramunga’s War
Author: Greg Kater
Publisher: Zeus Publications
ISBN: 978-0648160748
Pages: 304
Genre: Historical Fiction/World War II/Military
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Pacific Book Review
Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war.” In author Greg Kater’s novel The Waramunga’s War, readers are shown this in full effect as they witness the friendship between two unlikely allies and the way war changes as time goes on.
This story explores the meeting and ensuing friendship between the Australian soldier Jamie and the half-aboriginal soldier Jacko. Their meeting during a bloody battle results not only in friendship, but in a partnership that sends them into the heart of espionage and intrigue like no other. The author beautifully explores pieces of WWII that are often overlooked, most specifically the wartime atmosphere of both Syria and Egypt during the war.
This book will be loved by anyone who enjoys historical fiction and anything related to WWII. It’s also a great read for anyone interested in the dynamics between soldiers during the war, and in particular the relationship between the Aboriginal and Australian soldiers. It also harbors a bit of romance and studies the relationship between these soldiers and spies with the people caught in the middle of this impossible war, making this a truly compelling thriller and historical fiction read like no other.
As someone who is passionate about history in general, and in particular the changes WWII had on our world, it was so captivating to see this side of the war which rarely gets seen. While readers and history buffs are used to seeing the rampage across Europe and America’s inclusion in the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor, rarely do we get to see the struggles and battles fought in the Middle East and Africa, places that also felt the full effects of the Nazi occupation and battle.
This is a must read novel for any history buffs out there. The writing is smooth and flows well, creating an even paced read that doesn’t get too bogged down in details but plants enough history into the narrative so it feels natural. The author has demonstrated a mastery of the genre and the subject of this story, and yet it’s the close friendships and relationships built between the protagonists and the people they meet during their spy and wartime work that makes this story so compelling. If you haven’t yet grab your copy of Greg Kater’s The Warramunga’s War today!
