Cirrus@Austlit

'Jitterbugging at City Hall is a collection of wartime memories written by the U3A Brisbane Writers Group, about those whose youth was coloured and shaped by one of the 20th century's defining events. Some went to war; some grew up under occupation; some stayed behind. In Australia it meant ration books, shortages and women taking on roles that would have been unthinkable pre-war. American servicemen poured into Sydney, Townsville, Bundaberg and Brisbane, doubling the population almost overnight. Our outlook changed forever.

The stories from overseas are more dramatic, and include incredible tales of endurance and survival. Surprisingly, despite disruption, danger, hardship and fear, some had a great time! Others recall the misery they felt, separated from those they loved. There are 31 short stories in all and include ... Growing up on a farm in New Zealand, Trekking from Damascus to Baghdad and the Farhoud (the Krystallnacht of Iraq), Poetry, Fleeing Papua New Guinea with a father who returned as one of the Coast Watchers, Topical wartime stories from all over the world, and the odd philosophical musing.

The title Jitterbugging at City Hall comes from one of the more lighthearted stories about a young girl attending dances at City Hall during WWII.' Source: /www.u3abrisbane.org.au (Sighted 18/08/2011).