The Bush Soldiers (1984, 1985) By John Hooker
 
IMAGINE, if you will, that in the spring of 1942 Japanese air and naval forces are moving inexorably southward toward Australia when they encounter an American fleet at the Coral Sea. You know what happens: In the decisive Pacific naval battle of World War II, the Japanese are turned back and their continued expansion is thwarted. But no. This is how John Hooker imagines it: "In May, the American naval forces attempted to halt the Japanese drive south at the Battle of the Coral Sea; but after a three-day engagement, in which they lost four capital ships and dozens of smaller craft, they were forced to retire." Onward the Japanese forces move: "The invasion of Australia began on 12 June 1942, with Japanese landings at Darwin, Cooktown, and Cairns. . . . The events of the outside world had come to Australia."
 
John Hooker's powerful novel about life after the Great War, the Depression and the start of the Second World War. Set in Australia, it is a story of endurance, heroism and tragedy in a landscape where nature is the ultimate enemy.
 
Hard Cover with Dust Jacket (1984) and Soft Cover (1985) Options
439 pages
Good condition