Judy Nunn crafts compelling narratives that delve into dramatic events and intergenerational relationships. Her novels are celebrated for their engaging style and the power to immerse readers in the lives of her characters. Nunn masterfully blends historical elements with emotional depth, creating stories that resonate deeply. Her work is beloved for its ability to evoke strong feelings and offer unique perspectives on human destinies.
Orphaned at sixteen, James Wakefield becomes a fugitive after committing two murders, grappling with his past and the moral implications of his actions. Meanwhile, Ben McKinnon, heir to a wealthy sheep property, harbors a secret that could disrupt his family's lives. Their unexpected friendship leads Ben to invite James to work at Glenfinnan Station, raising questions about loyalty and belonging. Set against the backdrop of the Shearing Wars and World War I, the story explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human connection.
Collected together in print for the first time - including two brand new stories - this Judy Nunn anthology is an intoxicating mixture of suspense, history, romance, supernatural and mystery!A captivating collection of six stories from Australia’ s master storyteller Judy Nunn.The Long Weekend Tracy, Eve, Jet, Mel and Danielle are looking forward – if a little nervously - to their upcoming digital detox. No phones, no laptops – just a quiet weekend in a remote mountain shack. What could go wrong?The Wardrobe When journalist Nancy buys a rundown terrace house she knows nothing about the previous owner - until a discovery in an old wardrobe reveals the lives, loves and losses of Emily Roper.The Otto Bin Empire: Clive's Story To the homeless men and women who gather near the docks, the newly arrived Clive cuts an enigmatic figure. ‘ I’ m just a bloke going through a period of adjustment,’ he tells himself, ‘ I’ ll be back on my feet soon . . .’Changes As she celebrates her sixty-fifth birthday, actor turned film producer Jackie looks back on her seven decades – and all the many changes in her life. Not least the most recent and most surprising one of all . . .
In the second half of the 19th century, Melbourne is a veritable boom town, as hopefuls from every corner of the globe flock to the gold fields of Victoria. And where people crave gold, they also crave entertainment. Enter stage right - brothers Will and Max Worthing and their wives Mabel and Gertie. The family arrives from England in the 1880s with little else but the masterful talents that will see them rise from simple travelling performers to sophisticated entrepreneurs. Enter stage left - their rivals, Carlo and Rube. Childhood friends since meeting in a London orphanage, the two men have literally fought their way to the top and are now producers of the bawdy but hugely popular 'Big Show Bonanza'. The fight for supremacy begins. Waiting in the wings - Comedy, tragedy, passion and betrayal; economic depression, the Black Death and the horrors of World War One
Khaki Town, Judy Nunn's stunning new novel, is inspired by a wartime true story which the Government kept secret for over seventy years.'It seems to have happened overnight,' Val thought as she pulled the beers. '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 Hotel in Townsville, could not be happier as she contemplates the fortune she's making from lonely, thirsty soldiers. 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 have been commandeered. And the dance halls are in full swing with jitterbug and jive.The Australian troops, short on rations and equipment, begrudge the confident, well-fed 'Yanks' who have taken over their town (and women). And there's growing conflict, too, within the American ranks. Because black GIs are enjoying the absence of segregation and the white GIs do not like it.Then one night a massive street fight leaves a black soldier lying dead in the street, and the situation explodes into violent confrontation.
Set against the backdrop of Western Australia, the narrative follows four friends—Mike, Spud, Pembo, and Murray—over four transformative decades. The story captures the idyllic 1950s, the revolutionary 60s, the opportunistic 70s, and the corrupt 80s, highlighting each man's unique journey. An environmentalist battles mining interests, a Vietnam veteran uncovers hidden talents, and a geologist partners with a businessman to reshape Perth. As the 1990s bring inevitable change, their intertwined fates challenge the strength of their friendship.
From the ruins of Berlin to the birth of Israel, from the Italian Alps to the Australian high country, Heritage is a passionate and fast-paced tale of rebirth, struggle, sacrifice and redemption, and a tribute to those who gave meaning to the Australian spirit.
