Rosie is not alone in her growing apprehension towards Australia's involvement in a war. Like many mothers, she feels helpless as her sons are swayed by the relentless pull of "mateship" and are lured by the sense of "adventure" awaiting them in another continent. While yearning for news from them in Northern France, Rosie grapples with the changing reality that war is placing on women on the home front. Women are increasingly the fabric of the community and Rosie shoulders her share of responsibility with grinding work at the factory.
She also discovers women working for a common cause at an industrious Red Cross parcel drive, converging at a controversial peace rally and embroiled in the conscription debate. Each has a story to tell.
A Woman's War takes us into the life of a mother during the Great War. It provides a unique and intimate perspective of how she and other women of her inner-city, working class community endured an incredibly difficult period of Australia's history and exemplified to future generations how to face hardship. This poignant and insightful story reveals tribulations and tragedies not talked about by the generations of women who followed them.
About the Authors
Jacqueline and John Dinan wrote A Woman's War together. Their skills and experience are complementary.
Jacqueline Dinan, currently, is primarily raising her three sons. In 1999, Jacqueline started up her own public relations consultancy, Eventive, specialising in media relations and event management. Her range of clients has always presented her with an array of projects, thus giving Jacqueline the opportunity to research and write about different topics. Before setting up her own business, Jacqueline was employed by a corporate public relations consultancy. Prior to that, she worked in the human resources department of a multinational company.
John Dinan, for decades John has read about the two world wars. John has developed an immense knowledge of and respect for WW1 history and is particularly interested in the air war above northern France. He draws personal inspiration from the courage and tenacity shown by the men involved. Courage and tenacity were traits he displayed in competing in athletics, culminating in winning the prestigious Stawell Gift in 1980 and representing Australia in the 1986 Commonwealth Games, as well as at several other international track meets. Professionally, John is employed in the financial services industry.
