The latest historical fiction novel by Helen Edwards, On Gallant Wings, published by Riveted Press, distributed by Simon and Schuster,is an enthralling story that brings a part of Australia’s history alive. Readers are immersed in Ava’s world during World War II when Darwin was bombed and what the aftermath of that looked and felt like; the trauma, the complexities, uncertainties and tragedies of war, the hope, courage, self-belief, racism, brave acts, family bonds, true friendships and unwavering loyalty that existed. Readers gain the perspectives and insights of not only the men fighting, but are also plunged into the worlds of the families back in Australia as Helen Edwards explores what life was like for the children, the women who joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Airforce (WAAAF), the local Japanese people, the racism they experienced and how they were taken to an internment camp as well as the courageous role pigeons played. Helen meticulously researched this book using primary and secondary sources to seamlessly weave historical facts into this riveting story.
The novel begins during World War II and starts by showcasing the close bond Ava shares with her best friend, Kazuo, in Darwin. They enjoy spending time at Ava’s place caring for Ava’s homing pigeons, a job Ava has put her heart and soul into since her father left to serve in the war. Ava’s Dad is serving overseas as he is in the RAAF and her brother Fred, lies about his age to join the militia.
The one constant in Ava’s life is Kazuo who provides a sense of stability amongst the massive changes occurring with her Dad and brother away. However, military police take Kazuo and his family away to a holding camp to join other Japanese Australians who have all been taken from their homes.
On February 19, 1942, Ava and her Mum huddle together in the slit trench at the side of their house as bombs rain down. Their home is no longer safe and they are evacuated. They have minutes to collect some belongings and leave their home. They board a cattle train with other women and children survivors and head south on what is a gruelling journey devoid of any comforts. They have a plan to reside at Ava’s grandparents place on a farm in Lake Boga.
Ava and her Mum leave everything they have ever known and loved behind after such a catastrophic event. Ava formulates a set of rules for herself, they serve as a coping mechanism, a way to feel safe, as she has lost so much and experiences tumultuous change. She takes some solace in knowing that the pigeons are with her brother in Townsville as he is part of the Signal corps.
Ava is determined to live by her rules, two of which include making no new friends and another rule is to not be a burden to her mother who is already consumed with worry with her husband and son in the war.
Ava soon experiences that Pete, Jenny and Stevo in Lake Boga are friendly and connects with them as they share similar stories to hers with their Dad’s and brothers serving in the war. These children give Ava the space she needs, yet show her true friendship, loyalty, kindness and compassion. This helps Ava question and reflect on her self-imposed rules which she becomes more lenient about and accepts that she is ready to let new friends into her life.
Ava’s Mum feels compelled to contribute in some way to the war and joins the WAAAF and works at the secret Catalina Flying Boat Base.
Kazuo escapes the holding camp as he will soon be turning sixteen, this means he will be sent to a camp with adult men and no longer be with his parents and sister. He walks for days to Ava’s grandparent’s farm. Ava is used to following rules and is confronted with a moral dilemma; does she report Kazuo to the authorities or protect her best friend? She knows instantly what she will do upon being reunited with her best friend and knows she will need the help of her new friends.
Readers gain a deep insight into Ava, her Dad and Fred’s thoughts and feelings during the war through exchanged letters between them that Helen Edwards has crafted, including parts which have been censored (blacked out) and are peppered throughout the story.
This story highlights the qualities that are universal in overcoming adversity and puts a human face on war. The children display resilience, courage, hope, resourcefulness and above all love and unbreakable bonds. In this story adversity was the catalyst for Ava and others affected by the war to display an inner strength they did not know they had. Amongst the loss, there were still gifts and treasures to gain.