The Buronga Boys

This work of fiction, partly based on the author's own life, is an exciting historical read. The story traces the lives and special friendship between Adam Kelly of Irish background and Barney Munday, a part Aboriginal.

As young boys growing up by the Murray River, they spend carefree days fishing and picking grapes until they both enlist in the army and are sent to New Guinea. There Adam, because he is better educated, becomes a platoon sergeant and Barney becomes a great tracker.

While fighting the Japanese, Adam is badly wounded and Barney saves his life by carrying him out. Later while Barney studies for the priesthood, becomes an activist and gets married, Adam falls in love with a Japanese girl.

This is a captivating story that has a dramatic climax and a thought-provoking ending. Even though it is a work of fiction the author has developed true-to-life characters that are totally believable