Pamela Rushby, Those Girls, Walker Books Australia, April 2024, 336 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760657840
Those girls tells the story of Hilly and her friends (aged 16 to early 20s) who join the Queensland Women’s Land Army during WWII, to work for farming families whose men are away serving in the military.
The Land Army seems to promise the girls adventure, a regular wage and a flattering uniform while making an important contribution to food production. For some of the girls, it’s also an escape from difficult life circumstances. But none of them expected the spartan conditions and demanding harsh, even occasionally dangerous, physical work. A few lecherous male advances also take them by surprise.
Nonetheless, the girls succeed and enjoy camaraderie and genuine friendship with other members of the Land Army, which makes for plenty of happy experiences together and sustains the girls through the difficulties.
I enjoyed how Rushby creates an authentic sense of the Australian World War II era context. Being a migrant to Australia, I was fascinated to learn about the war’s impact on social conditions, such as many US soldiers serving here.
I also loved the distinctive and believable, complex characters that Rushby develops and the story of how they grow and mature with new experiences.
Those girls is not only a WW II historical novel, it is also about friendship and the choices and decisions young people face as they move into adulthood.
The publisher recommends this book for ages 14+. I do think that, with the characters on the cusp of adulthood, it is more relevant to older teens and early 20s. On the other hand, it’s quite easy reading, and whilst there are references to first sexual experiences and there is a tragic accident, these aren’t described too explicitly for the younger teens.
I recommend Those girls as an interesting and engaging read for young adults, especially if they are curious about World War II history.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
