Books

Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms

Booktopia First Nations promotion

Summary

5 August, 1944: Over 1,000 Japanese soldiers break out of the No.12 Prisoner of War compound on the fringes of Cowra. In the carnage, hundreds are killed, many are recaptured, and some take their own lives rather than suffer the humiliation of ongoing defeat.

But one soldier, Hiroshi, manages to escape.

At nearby Erambie Station, an Aboriginal mission, Banjo Williams, father of five and proud man of his community, discovers Hiroshi, distraught and on the run. In opposition to most of the townsfolk who dislike and distrust the Japanese, the people of Erambie choose compassion and decide to offer Hiroshi refuge. Mary, Banjo’s daughter, is intrigued by the softly spoken stranger, and charged with his care.

For the community, life at Erambie is one of restriction and exclusion – living under Acts of Protection and Assimilation, and always under the ruthless eye of the mission Manager. On top of wartime hardships, families live without basic rights.

Love blossoms between Mary and Hiroshi, and they each dream of a future together. But how long can Hiroshi be hidden safely and their bond kept a secret?.

A story about a love that transcends all boundaries, from one of Australia’s best loved authors.

Get a copy now from your favourite trusted store

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through the below links.

Cite this page

Korff, J 2018, Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms, <https://stage.creativespirits.info/resources/books/barbed-wire-and-cherry-blossoms>, retrieved 10 December 2024

Creative Spirits is a starting point for everyone to learn about Aboriginal culture. Please use primary sources for academic work.

Join thousands of Smart Owls who know more!