Book Review: The Warramunga’s War by Greg Kater

Jacko instantly landed in Jamie’s good books the moment he saved her in war-torn Syria. From that pivotal moment on, the duo became inseparable, cleverly thwarting crooks, spies, and foes amid the fabled landmarks and secluded streets of Cairo, extending all the way to the remote bushlands and rugged landscapes of the Northern Territory. But amidst their adventures, questions linger: has Jacko found his love of a lifetime in Monique? Will he and Jamie succeed in their on-and-off World War II ventures, or will the weight of their pasts derail their quest for happiness?

This book marks the second entry in a series by Australian authors that I had planned to explore in 2019. My first was River Kids by Jennie Linnane, featuring a main character named Margot who resides in New South Wales. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence, or maybe there’s a deeper connection—who can say? However, I wasn’t specifically seeking out a historical piece when I picked this one up, and the title didn’t initially strike me as a typical recreational read, even though I have a background as a naval officer. Yet, to my surprise, I found little to complain about.

As I began to turn its pages, I stumbled upon a detail that immediately hooked me. One of my past roles here in Australia involved working as part of a skills, education, and employment program that catered to remote communities, with Tennant Creek being one of the most notable. Although I’ve never physically visited, my tasks were conducted remotely in support of on-site staff. This connection brought the narrative closer to home, tugging at my heartstrings and keeping me engaged despite my usual genre preferences.

The manuscript was nearly impeccable, with only two very minor errors scattered across its 324 pages. It featured a delightful splash of French, local Aussie vernacular, and diminutives, as well as other dialects within the dialogue. These elements were easily understood through context and even enhanced the development, plausibility, and relatability of the characters. Each scene was vividly portrayed, set against rich descriptions that brought the settings to life. The straightforward narrative style balanced the socio-cultural variations and ensured smooth, steady transitions throughout. Yet, it was anything but boring; mini cliffhangers peppered the chapters, keeping my curiosity piqued and urging me to read further. There were enough twists and turns to ponder over, and while the story did touch on themes of war and other sensitive topics unsuitable for younger readers, it avoided the graphic details that could scar one for life. Music even graced a few nooks of the text, adding another layer of depth to the experience.

Despite the dark connotations typically associated with war and conflict, this piece was anything but bleak. With the buzz, hype, and excellent review ratings I’ve observed, my reading experience ultimately clarified the reasons behind the acclaim. I had hoped for a different ending, but I suppose that only fuels my desire to look into the next book in the series, eager to discover where the journey leads next.

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