Celebration of the Straw Man

Celebration of the Straw ManDiscover a poignant journey through history with 'Celebration of the Straw Man' by Murray Rodgers. This evocative New Zealand fiction dives deep into the life of a World War Two artillery soldier, weaving a narrative that captures the essence of New Zealand's rural culture from the pre depression era. Readers will explore the profound impacts of war on family dynamics across generations and the enduring magic of companionship amidst the stunning New

Discover a poignant journey through history with 'Celebration of the Straw Man' by Murray Rodgers. This evocative New Zealand fiction dives deep into the life of a World War Two artillery soldier, weaving a narrative that captures the essence of New Zealand's rural culture from the pre-depression era. Readers will explore the profound impacts of war on family dynamics across generations and the enduring magic of companionship amidst the stunning New Zealand backcountry. Based loosely on the author's own parents, the story highlights Bill's transformation from a carefree childhood to a life shaped by the psychological scars of warfare, particularly relating to the harrowing experiences he faced in Italy during the Second World War. The novel artfully addresses the under-appreciated cost of war, exploring trauma through a series of fictional incidents inspired by the author's childhood. Set primarily against the backdrop of Southland and Canterbury, with poignant references to Monte Cassino, this beautifully written paperback is laced with sardonic Kiwi humour. A perfect read for those interested in historical fiction, military history, or New Zealand culture. Order now and immerse yourself in a story that’s not just an account of loss, but a celebration of resilience and human connection. ?? Delivery Information: Enjoy fast shipping across New Zealand! Order now to receive your copy promptly. Dimensions: 150 x 228 mm, 224 pages, published on 13-06-2022.

Celebration of the Straw Man
Author: Murray Rodgers Publisher: Quentin Wilson Publishing
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 228 mm
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 13-06-2022
A sensitive and evocative account of the life of a New Zealand World War Two artillery soldier that gives insight into New Zealand's rural culture from the pre-depression years, the impact of war on a family through generations, and the magic of companionship in the New Zealand backcountry. The story is loosely based on the author's parents, with his father never seeming to adjust to what he experienced in Italy during the Second World War. Bill's journey is about his growth from childhood and the character he forges until needing to deal with teh effects of brutalizing trauma, and finding his path to self-acceptance through his relationship with his long-standing mate, Charlie, his wife Joan and their children. The under-appreciated cost of war and its psychological impact are dealt with through a series of fictional incidents, largely based on the author's childhood and teenage experiences. The setting is non-specific but is consistent with the Southland and Canterbury regions of New Zealand and Monte Cassino, Italy. Beautifully written and laced with sardonic Kiwi humour, the author's style is fluent and engaging; an easy read that deals with a difficult and often painful topic in a meaningful way.