A very valuable addition to my collection.

“November 1942: An Intimate History of the Turning Point of the Second World War” by Peter Englund

Peter England has taken the library of World War II military history and put it into one book. Each mention of November 1942 in the library books or even any other year of the war is referenced through the stories told - taken from biographies / memoirs of people living in November 1942 – published or unpublished; battalion and unit histories; themed stories of the elements of war; dispassionate long distance analysis of campaigns giving overview of strategies, activities and consequences.

A dilettante in the field of military history, I found the book difficult to put down. The stories are intense and concentrated, conjuring descriptive and horrific images. In many cases giving insight or touching on experience and emotion.

One of the contributors is my father. Having been told of this book, I was surprised to find stories he hadn’t told in the other 20 or so books where he is mentioned. I set out to read only those parts relating to him with the view to picking it apart and being critical - as a son would be.

Having skimmed through his mentions, I decided I should at least start the book and found - as mentioned - it was difficult to put down.

Despite Englund’s assertion that the story is told by the participants, he has woven them together to apply his style. Although, (in my father‘s case), there are stories or elements out of sequence or even context, the result show more is a compelling overall story which conveys the message of the subtitle.

Certainly a book to have, even if it is the only one in your library about the Second World War.

Garry Tongs
August 2024 show less

Very informative and a great read, even if I was very much out of my depth more than once. I will be following Tom Higham from now on.

Reg's life story is interesting. There are some question marks about the military history aspects and the 'massacre' chapter is of particular concern.

I will read this book again, sooner rather than later. An intriguing story about family redemption through being virtuous, sober and an expert at his work, . The fact that Meister Frantz is an executioner made me think about the time he lived and the society. There is more to it than 'I was just doing my job' or 'I was just following orders'. I would like to have seen facsimiles of the diary Joel Harrington worked from. His selected quotations giver an idea of content but I would like to see how sequential entries were laid out.

Very good description of the Kokoda Track Campaign 1942 by a participant. Recommended as one of the best books about Kokoda by my father, who was a Veteran of the campaign.

One of the best books I have read. A great yarn and great history.

Good reference. Doesn't flow initially but easier to read as you go along. Some errors detract from the value as the reader wonders if there are other errors. The most glaring example I found is on p375. "It would not be until 8 November that the advancing Australians would make contact with the enemy at Templeton's Crossing, en route to Alola." This could refer to the attack led by Sgt Bede Tongs on 17 October 1942 which was successful against Japanese positions or to Sgt Tongs contact with the Japanese on 8 October when he led a 6 man patrol from Menari to find where the Japanese were on the Track. He contacted them just before Templeton's Crossing.

Read out of sequence before 'Tuscan Secrets'. Wonderful descriptions of people, place and food. The whole book led up to the final tumultuous chapter, which is summed up in the recipes at the end. Combines my love of Venice, Italy, food and romance into one delicious narrative.

Could only put this down when food, work or other essential activity called. Wonderful to relive 2007 again, only this time through my memory and Mungo's words. Where were the so-called journalists during the Howard years? Their names appeared but someone else was writing the stories. What use is democracy when part of it is dead? Well, two parts, the Federal Opposition up until 4 December 2007 and the journos. I thought my morning coffee colleague was the only one in real-time who could see what was happening. Good on you Mungo, thanks for recalling those events that resonated with the two (three) of us at the time.