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Sister Viv

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Sister Viv

By: Grantlee Kieza
Narrated by: Brigid Gallacher
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About this listen

Bangka Island, 1942. Vivian Bullwinkel was just 26 when Japanese soldiers marched her and her fellow nurses into the shallow waters of a remote beach to be executed.

Miraculously, Vivian would be the lone survivor – and she committed the rest of her life to an exceptional career caring for others. The lieutenant-colonel would also be the first woman to be honoured with a statue at the Australian War Memorial – a country girl who became one of the highest ranking women in the Australian army.

When Japanese forces attacked Singapore, Vivian and 64 other nurses were ordered to evacuate, but soon their ship was bombed by enemy aircraft. Somehow, Vivian lived, and for the next three and a half years she was a prisoner of war in brutal Japanese camps where she helped others survive the horror.

When peace was restored, Vivian became a giant of Australian nursing – and a key driver of Operation Babylift. For her extraordinary bravery and service, Vivian was awarded numerous honours, but she never forgot her fallen colleagues, living her life in tribute to them.

2024, Indie Book Awards Non Fiction, Short-listed

2025, Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) Biography of the Year, Short-listed

©2024 Grantlee Kieza (P)2024 Bolinda Publishing. This audio version produced by arrangement with HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited. Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Military & War Women Solider War Military
All stars
Most relevant  
I liked everything about the story. Just an amazing human being with a heart of gold.

The story of a wonderful woman.

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Very interesting true history of nursing in World War II recommend this book GREAT READ

Australian History

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I had met Vivian Bullwinkle in 1976 at Fairfield Hospital. Matron Bullwinkle was a hero to me as a young teenager when I read her story in “White Coolies.” The book and Vivian never left my mind. This book is an incredible dedication to Vivian that all the nurses who fought and died during WW2.
Some parts are very emotional and portrays how evil can prevail in our world. Highly recommend this book to all, especially Nurses like myself

An incredible book of outstanding courage, hope and survival against all odds.

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Details in this story made me weep at times. powerful story of survival, friendship and at times laughter. highly recommend listening to this incredible story!

Amazing story

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A story which needed to be told.
A story which brings tears, and admiration. Shock and respect. Anger and warmth. Your emotions will be real. But this is the story of a true heroine. A nurse. A saviour. And she should be remembered. along with her fellow ‘sisters’ who should never be forgotten. And always rembefed and admired.
Thankyou for your service.
God bless you.

Everybody needs to listen.. and never forget

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I have listened to this audio book over the last 2 weeks on my commute to work. You will need tissues and a strong stomach to read/listen to this incredible story of bravery, resilience and absolute courage of the nurses and men who fought and served in WWII. At times I had to pause listening because it was so overwhelming to hear of so many barbaric acts against the POW'S. However I have never been more inspired and proud not only to be Australian but to be a nurse. The sisterhood is real.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

LEST WE FORGET 💜

Outstanding

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A most remarkable story of the life of an Australian nursing hero… a life so many of us do not know about but should … one my best reads !!

REMARKABLE

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A book that at times I felt I couldn’t listen to any more the horrors those nurses endured !!! But then what better way to honour those brave souls than to experience their story. This book will remain with me for a long time.

The bravery of those nurses.

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Viv was a remarkable woman that continued her love and dedication of caring for others and helping the sick and injured even after living through the devastation both physically and mentally of war times

true and detailed of war time

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What a truly inspiring story of courage. Vivian was an amazing woman and had a great career in nursing after surviving everything in World War II. Very good reading as well.

Inspiring story of courage - amazing woman

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