There is something about war and history writing that continues to resonate, particularly when it moves beyond dates and battles and instead focuses on people, decisions and consequences. This week’s selection spans frontline experiences, political turning points and lesser-known stories that challenge how we understand the past, offering insight without losing narrative momentum.
Sisters Under Fire by Colin Burgess
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This is a deeply researched account of women caught in the machinery of war, focusing on those who found themselves in extraordinary and often dangerous circumstances during World War II. Colin Burgess brings together personal stories that highlight both resilience and the stark realities faced by women who were far from the sidelines. What stands out is the balance between historical detail and human experience. These are not distant figures, but individuals navigating fear, duty and survival, often in roles that have been overlooked in traditional war narratives. The storytelling is grounded and respectful, allowing the weight of their experiences to come through without embellishment.
The verdict: A compelling and important perspective on war that shifts the focus to the women whose stories deserve far more attention.
The First Anzacs by George Hulse
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This book looks back at the earliest days of the ANZAC story, examining who these men were before Gallipoli and how they came to be part of one of Australia’s defining military narratives. Rather than leaning into myth, George Hulse takes a more measured approach, grounding the story in fact and context. There is a strong sense of character here, with attention paid to the backgrounds, motivations and realities faced by those who enlisted. It is as much about identity and nationhood as it is about war itself, offering readers a clearer understanding of how the ANZAC legend was formed.
The verdict: A thoughtful and well-researched look at the origins of the ANZAC story, ideal for readers interested in history beyond the headlines.
Quiet Protest by Effie Karageorgos
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Focusing on resistance during wartime, this book explores the individuals and groups who pushed back, often in subtle but significant ways. Effie Karageorgos brings attention to acts that may not have been loud or widely recognised at the time, but which played a role in shaping outcomes and attitudes. There is an academic strength to the research, but it remains accessible, with clear storytelling that connects individual actions to broader historical movements. It challenges the idea that resistance must always be visible to be effective, instead highlighting the quieter forms of defiance that are often overlooked.
The verdict: A nuanced and insightful read that broadens the definition of resistance and adds depth to our understanding of wartime history.
Lest by Mark Dapin
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Mark Dapin takes a critical look at how Australia remembers its military past, examining the narratives, commemorations and cultural weight attached to war. This is not a conventional war history, but rather an exploration of memory, myth and national identity. Dapin does not shy away from difficult questions, particularly around how stories are told and who they serve. It is reflective without being inaccessible, offering readers a chance to reconsider familiar narratives through a more analytical lens.
The verdict: A thought-provoking examination of how we remember war, best suited to readers open to questioning long-held assumptions.
Red Dawn Over China by Frank Dikötter
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Frank Dikötter turns his attention to the rise of communism in China, charting the political and social upheaval that reshaped the country. Drawing on extensive research, he presents a detailed account of power, ideology and the human cost of sweeping change. The strength of this book lies in its clarity. Complex political developments are explained in a way that remains engaging, while still acknowledging the scale and impact of what unfolded. It is a sobering read, but an important one for understanding modern China.
The verdict: A rigorous and revealing history that provides essential context for one of the world’s most significant political transformations.
The Nuremberg Women by Natalie Livingstone
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This book shifts focus to the women connected to the Nuremberg Trials, exploring the lives, relationships and perspectives of those who stood alongside some of the most infamous figures of the twentieth century. Natalie Livingstone examines how these women navigated loyalty, complicity and survival in the aftermath of war. It is a perspective that feels both intimate and unsettling, offering insight into how ordinary lives intersect with extraordinary events. The narrative is carefully constructed, allowing readers to consider the moral complexities without oversimplifying them.
The verdict: A fascinating and often confronting account that adds a deeply human layer to one of history’s most significant trials.