Red Haze: Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam
Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Black Dog Books
Age 12+
Armed Forces People & Places, Battles, History & The Past: General Interest Warfare
Here at last is the story of Australia and New Zealand's role in a controversial war, for a new generation
Australia and New Zealand followed the Americans into Vietnam to save the country from going down the drain to the Communists. Unlike other wars, there was no front zone, no safe zone and no glory. Having survived the jungles, the landmines and the shrewdness of the Vietcong, returning soldiers were told by the army to get out of their uniforms and not tell anyone where they had been. Many had been conscripted to fight, and risked their lives, but weren't given the heroic welcome home of other wars. Instead, media coverage and widespread public protests meant the veterans became the scapegoats for a war many believed we should have stayed out of.
Creators
Leon Davidson is a critically acclaimed writer who brings the stories of war to life for his readers. His books have all won major awards in New Zealand and Australia. Primarily written for children and young adults, they are equally accessible to adults. His books are also widely read in classrooms and used in teaching. He lives with his family in Wellington, where he is a primary school teacher.
Reviews
The book has been written from an Australian perspective with chapters devoted to our administration of Phuoc Tuy province and some particularly graphic descriptions of Australian-Vietcong battles that add a level of excitement and drama to the narrative.
Sydney Morning Herald
