Flora’s War Pamela Rushy RRP $18.95 ISBN 9781921665981 Ford Street Publishing Reviewer: Robyn Donoghue

Flora’s War by Pamela Rushby opens with a confronting, but honest description of the stench coming off wounded soldiers transported by train from the battlefields of Gallipoli, to the city of Cairo. Through Flora we become familiar with the routine and poise of volunteer drivers as they transport wounded soldiers from trains to the hospital nearby.

Australian girl, Flora is a seasoned traveller to Cairo, accompanying her archaeologist father Mr Wentworth on his yearly excavations of tombs and pyramids, organised by the highly connected agent Mr Khalid. Having turned 16, this will be Flora’s first season as an adult, who will be working as her father’s assistant. She is excited by the prospect that she will be able to experience the glittering social life Cairo has to offer, as she makes her debut along with her great friend Gwen; the daughter of Professor Travers, an Archaeologist at Boston University.

This historical novel shows the impact of war on the city of Cairo. How its citizens rallied together to assist with the enormous influx of wounded soldiers pouring in from Gallipoli. We see how volunteer organisations, such as Lady Bellamy’s Rest and Recreation Centre for Soldiers provided much needed support to overwhelmed ambulance officers, doctors and nurses. It is a coming of age story, showing Flora’s maturity as a driver and hospital volunteer, but also revealing her inability to comprehend the complex psychological trauma, suffered by the soldiers.

It is a fresh telling of the Gallipoli campaign, showing how war provided opportunities for women to actively participate in the running of society on an equal footing with men. This book is a gem, and I have no doubt will act as a great resource when teaching students about Australia’s participation in the First World War.