The novel traces this innocence, and its subsequent movement to experience, using Jim Saddler as an example of a regular Australian whose tranquil existence is disrupted by the intrusion of World War 1. ... "Abos," the girls said with cool disgust, as if the rituals being enacted, however violent were ordinary and not to be taken note of." ... At this point in the novel, "winter now on a greasy plain outside the port," Jim has truly arrived at the "dark side of his head." ... At the conclusion, Malouf sums up all his most profound ideas in the novel. ...

• Word Count: 1373
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

The novel has precise records Of the battle from Pearl Harbor to the war of attrition between submarines and convoys in the Atlantic, through Midway and Guadalcanal, to the invasion of Europe, to Okinawa, and the final surrender of the Japanese. ... Even though the band was interrupted in their song by Japanese planes, the crews did not move until the last note was sung. ...

• Word Count: 2389
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School