Battlefield

Alan Tucker's 'Battlefield' is a poignant historical fiction novel set in rural Australia during WWII. It follows Barry Blacker, a young boy fascinated by soldiering, whose older brother is a POW. Barry's world revolves around practicing drills and observing the Japanese POW camp near his family farm in Cowra. The narrative takes a serious turn when some prisoners escape, and Barry's impulsive desire to be a hero results in unforeseen and devastating consequences. Based on a true story, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of war's impact, the complexities of heroism, and the harsh realities of conflict, making it suitable for mature readers aged 8 and up.

Barry Blacker is obsessed with being a soldier. He is desperate to join the army like his older brother Jack, who is in a Japanese POW camp. In the meantime he practises drills on the family farm in Cowra, and spies on the Japanese prisoners in the camp nearby. When some of the prisoners escape, Barry's attempt to be a hero has devastating consequences. A moving, thought-provoking and vividly told novel, based on a true story.