In these times of unrest, lockdowns and change, and on the 75th Commemoration of the End of World War II , it feels more appropriate than ever to see what lessons we can take from pivotal moments in history, and the actions of those who came before us. In looking back on history, it is imperative we re-examine, expand our understanding, and in some cases, take inspiration. In recent years, with evidence of rising fascism , and even Nazi symbols proudly displayed at marches, the hard lessons of WWII and the postwar period continue to resonate, spurring me on to write my thirteenth book, The War Widow , which I dedicated to my Oma and Opaโordinary citizens who did extraordinary things to escape the Nazis in occupied Holland.
The War Widow is a novel in the hard-boiled tradition, but with a twist, and is unashamedly centered on ordinary peopleโnot generals, royals and politiciansโbut on the women who are too often overlooked in our retelling of history. In it, my main characterโwar reporter turned private inquiry agent Billie Walkerโpushes against the workforce prejudices of Australia, as does her informant and friend, Shyla, a Wirajuri woman who deals with the compounded prejudices experienced by Aboriginal women.
The world these brave women inhabit is one of danger, massive social and political change, disabled and traumatised soldiers returning from overseas, and ongoing racial and class divisions.
It is a world torn by war, and where injustice continues. Below, I share a brief look at just a seven such women. Their deeds and sacrifices deserve to be known as widely as their male counterparts. Tortured by the Japanese army with electric shocks and confined to a tiny cell, Finch refused to talk.
Finch was working as a stenographer for army intelligence headquarters in Manila, when it fell to the Japanese. She then convinced the occupying forces that she was Filipino and got a job writing gas rationing vouchers, which she cleverly used to aid the resistance movement.
