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Khaki Town

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Khaki Town

By: Judy Nunn
Narrated by: John Derum
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About this listen

Set in Queensland during World War II, this breath-taking historical novel is inspired by a true wartime story that has remained a well-kept secret for over seventy years.

KHAKI TRANSFORMATION

It seems to have happened overnight, Val thought . How extraordinary. We've become a khaki town.

It's March 1942. Singapore has fallen. Darwin has been bombed. Australia is on the brink of being invaded by the Imperial Japanese Forces. And Val Callahan, publican of The Brown's Bar in Townsville, could not be happier as she contemplates the fortune she's making from lonely, thirsty soldiers.

TOWNSVILLE'S TURMOIL

Overnight the small Queensland city is transformed into the transport hub for 70,000 American and Australian soldiers destined for combat in the South Pacific. Barbed wire and gun emplacements cover the beaches. Historic buildings are commandeered. And the dance halls are in full swing with jazz, jitterbug and jive.

CONFLICT AND INVESTIGATION

The Australian troops begrudge the confident, well-fed 'Yanks' who have taken over their town and their women. There's growing conflict, too, within the American ranks, because black GIs are enjoying the absence of segregation. And the white GIs don't like it.

As racial violence explodes through the ranks of the military, a young United States Congressman, Lyndon Baines Johnson, is sent to Townsville by his president to investigate. 'Keep a goddamned lid on it, Lyndon,' he is told, 'lest it explode in our faces .'

©2019 Judy Nunn (P)2019 Penguin Random House Australia
Historical Fiction Fiction Solider

Critic Reviews

'Mistress of the ripping yarn.' SUN-HERALD

'500 pages of perfect reading.' AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY

'Perfect summer reading.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'A master of what she does.' WEEKLY TIMES

'A stunning blockbuster.' WOMAN'S DAY

'A prolific writer of bestsellers.' THE AGE

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what a great book thank you so much Judy Nunn for writing it💜 .And thank you John Derum for reading to me.💜

Khaki Town by Judy Nunn

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I loved this book. The story line, which I had not known before, was beautifully told and narrated. A glimpse back to a different time.

A Fascinating Story

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This was my first encounter with Australian wartime history in North Queensland. I live in the region and am ignorant of those times here. The story had me looking forward to listening to the next chapter. I will be looking to purchase more by Judi Nunn.

Enjoyable historical tale.

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Loved the narration excellent work. I’m sure although this book was fiction that stories like these were true, hard to read and face the truth. Great work Judy Nunn

Opened my eyes to the brutality of racism.

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As an x-army wife with an association with Townsville, I found this a fascinating presentation. I particularly found interesting the part at the end making known what was true and what was fiction.
Judy Nunn does a great job letting us know about the history we never knew.

Definitely worth reading!

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This had me captivated from the start. Bringing to life Townsville during WWII with an interesting spin on some historical events

Great take on a piece of history

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Enjoyed this novel of fictional characters around true events. Brought a piece of unknown or hidden history into the light.

The fact the the story is based on true facts.

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loved it, thx judy for writing about things Aussies should know. keep up good work.

another brilliant piece from judy nunn

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I love it when an author can combine fiction with history - and Judy Nunn does this so well. War stories always have a sad and depressing effect on me but so often mixed with those feelings of pride and appreciation for those whom were involved, at all levels. More of Judy Nunn for me.

another history lesson

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I absolutely love Judy Nunn. This story is of course so well written, but I found it a bit depressing. I guess Australia's history is. Why cant everybody just get the along....

Another well researched gripping tale.

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