Cirrus@Austlit

A book in free verse.

'Old Union is the life's journey of Sam and Emily Wright who become of age in the Great Depression. Sam as a boy walks 550 miles from outback New South Wales with a single obsession, to go to sea. The 1935 seamen's strike pits seaman against seaman, strikebreaker against militant, the strong against the weak, a futile struggle that will gut a union of seamen. Sam matures in the turbulent years of war and the political upheavals dividing Australia. A coming of age in an era of persecution against political beliefs, union demonizing, and a working class demanding a fair share of a new and modern world. To save a life Sam walks away from the sea, but never loses what beats in his heart, the equality of man and his right to a voice.' (Publication summary)

'This book was inspired by Gino’s avid interest in science fiction from a very early age. He has a firm belief in the existence of extraterrestrial life. The two main characters from his earlier book, “The Secret at St. Mary’s,” are reunited in this story. They are transformed into their alter egos who take us on a journey of goodwill and intrigue in sectors of the universe yet unchartered. In this book, we experience the thrill of travelling to strange new worlds and meeting aliens that are like nothing ever before encountered. There are the Sebemos of the planet Xulud. They have a body that looks like rough stone and are shaped like a long macaroni noodle. There are six spindly-like tentacles around their bodies, and they have a face that resembles a computer chip. Their leader is Gray Munchkin. There are the Gubeiggas of the planet Esile. They are almost like humans, but with pointy heads and wings. They are quite good-looking. Their leader is Queen Becca. There are the Cyclopzorgs of the planet Ocat, who want to change the way the Sebemos and the Gubeiggas live. They have bodies that are half-bear and half-giraffe. There are the Brainoids of the planet Barbabeetle, who are very wise and want to help Omsoc and Etnorb. This race looks like beautiful sunflowers, with faces that have some humanlike characteristics. Their leader is Onigiul. The immortal, wise one is Aznagarb. There is also the aspiration of new hope for peace and harmony among those who seek this. Our two travelers achieve what seems to be the impossible, against all odds and great danger to themselves.' (Publication summary)

'Based on the characters who live in a bayside suburb where everyday life is happy and fun.

'Cosmo is a lovable golden-haired Kelpie-Labrador who always wants to walk everywhere and experience new things. Bronte is a gray-and-white moggy cat that likes to visit her friend, Cosmo, whenever she can. She always looks for new things to do, and in this story, she finds out about a real secret that nobody is supposed to know. So she convinces Cosmo to help her find out what the secret is at St. Mary’s.

'Of course, they get into all sorts of trouble as they go from place to place and meet lots of different and interesting people.' (Publication summary)

'During the challenging years between the Great War and the Second World War, ordinary people find themselves pushed to their limits. In La Strada Da Seguire, Susan Toscan uses fiction—inspired by her own history—to tell the tales of two seemingly unrelated communities, one in Australia and the other in Italy.

'In the 1930s in Griffith, New South Wales, an emerging major farming district, a family diligently works to build a life on their farm. When Italian migrants move to the town, bringing invaluable knowledge and a commitment to hard work, thriving businesses are born. The new neighbours struggle to develop a successful multicultural society.

'Things are no easier in Italy. In the uncertain years following the Great War, everyone hopes for some stability. Barely recovered from the Great War, they now find themselves caught up in the inescapable wave of another. Desperate for change, a young woman looks for an escape from her frightfully mundane existence.

'As the Second World War breaks out, the young men from both of these communities are called to service. Ripped from the only lives they know and the relative safety of home, they must face an unpredictable future with as much dignity and bravery as they can muster, against forces and events far beyond their control.

'Life, love, and tragedy are all part of the new world, and the members of these communities must now choose between being victims—or survivors.' (Publisher's blurb)

'JohnHickman tells the true story about his dad, Bill's involvement in the Second World War. Bill grows up in the slums of Notting Hill, London and leaves school at fourteen. Despite his insecurities, while still in his late teens, he becomes a pilot of Lancaster Bombers. He desperately wants to belong to the "establishment" but rebels against the powers-that-be when he realises they think he is expendable. Loss of life and planes is horrendous and to Bill's mind largely unnecessary. His attitude towards death in combat changes dramatically after he meets and marries John's mother to be, Alice.

After the raid over Dresden in February 1945, he becomes angry at the cover-ups, corruption and myriad of lies. Authorities dispute claims that British planes carried out machine-gun attacks on the civilian population but Bill knows otherwise! Against all odds he survives the war, physically but is dreadfully scarred emotionally. After serving his country he is penalised, dismissed without a commission or job. Even told he is unfit to fly!' Source: http://www.trafford.com/ (Sighted 13/04/2102).

Autobiography of English-born Australian television producer Alan Coleman.