A Women's War

A Women's War

On November 11, when we will pause to reflect on our ANZACS, A Women's War will be available: simplistically exploring what women did for the years between 1914-1918. It will reveal to current generation of young women what the females in their family endured almost 100 years ago.

It is set in working class Melbourne and tells the story of a mother who farewells two sons to the Western Front. The story describes the changes to her life- work, family and community.

In much of what has been published in these genres, the realties of the home front keepers, have been generally applied as an addendum to the praise of men who were directly involved in the war. 'A Woman's War' turns inwards to uniquely explore what it was like for women to live through a war. The story of a mother, who helplessly witnesses twin sons embark, highlights the battle on the home front - the personal and community aspects surrounded by the societal and political exterior of the 1914-1918 war years.

The focus is on Rosie, who in her mid to late thirties exemplifies a woman's role of life giver, maker of home and cultivator of community, which is redefined by world scale events. Her story is an account of instinctive aptitude to 'get on with it'; invisibly holding friends and family together and taking on of responsibilities to maintain neighbourhood connectivity and essential factory output.

While she waits for letters from lands never before considered, Rosie shoulders her share of responsibility by walking at a peace rally, working in a factory and participating in a Red Cross parcel drive. At the drive women are working as one in action, yet they do not share the same mindset. Here the evocation of the division between the realities of war and the prevailing ideas for women of the period are marvellously played out, providing a sense of veracity on how the Great War impacted those who were left to uphold things at home.

Thoroughly researched, this novel vividly explores how women harnessed the states of apprehension, sorrow, fear, loneliness and anger into a life force to deal with the loss and deprivation of war and influence the way Australians then reacted to their countries involvement in a global affair. The 1st person narrative is poignant and the plot is simply and seamlessly weaved over a factual base, allowing the story to be understood by women of all walks of life. Though 'A Woman's War' is an historical story, it is also a book for today as women from all cultures continue to cope with present challenges. With its unique presentation of Australian and social history, this very readable novel is ideal for enhancing secondary and tertiary curricula.

Why did the World go to War in 1914?
The catalyst for the First World War (1914-1918) occurred in June 1914 when Arch Duke Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria, was assassinated by Serbian nationalists who were trying to gain independence for their country from Austria.

Prior to this in the mid 1800s, the German empire was invading other countries and aggressively expanding its borders. Germany went about protecting its strong position by aligning itself with certain other countries. Other European countries began to protect themselves by aligning either with or against Germany, and any treaty a country signed had to be honoured in the event of an attack on any member state of the alliance.

At the turn of the 20th century, all the nations of Europe were very suspicious and wary of each other. Tensions broke out into conflict when a group of Serbian Nationalists assassinated Arch Duke Ferdinand. The Austro-Hungarian Empire issued an ultimatum to the Serbian Government to hand over those responsible by a certain date. Serbia did not comply with their demand as an act of defiance. Austria-Hungary therefore declared war on Serbia, and this ignited further unrest in Europe. The dominos began to fall.

Russia, a staunch supporter of Serbia, moved its troops towards Austria, which caused Germany to mobilise its army. Germany's initial move was to invade Russia's main ally, France. In doing so, it took its army through Belgium, which was neutral, and in response to this act of aggression, Britain declared war on Germany. Britain's declaration brought in countries from its Empire: Australia, Canada, South Africa, India and New Zealand. Japan was aligned with Britain so it dutifully declared war on Germany also. The British Empire, France, Russia and Japan were known as the Allies, whereas Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, were referred to as the Central Powers. In 1915 Italy also aligned with the Allies, followed, in 1917, by the United States of America.

The War lasted for four years and was the most destructive in terms of men and material than any war previously. This war was predominately fought in trenches, and millions of lives were lost with little ground gained by either side. In early 1918, the Central Powers finally made a break in the stalemate and it looked to have the war won. The Allies however stopped the advance and slowly gained control to the point that Germany and its allies were a spent force by November and sought an armistice, which was signed on 11 of November 1918 effective at 11a.m.

Praise for a A Women's War
'A remarkable story... I heartily endorse the book as means of raising awareness of the chronolgocial events of WWI…' - Dame Elisabeth Murdoch
'As there are so few books written about war from the point of view of women, this timely and wide ranging record is going to contribute greatly to the long neglected female perspective on wars, invariably started by men.' - Dr Jonathan King, Military Historian.
'A story that touches every woman's heart and encapsulates the ANZAC spirit portrayed by the women of QWQI, qualities we can all reflect on in facing today's hardships.' - Andrea Coote, MP>
'I would thoroughly recommend it to be read in Secondary Schools and by all women... and I will be passing it on to my daughters and granddaughters to read.' - Joan Spence OAM, President, RSL Womens' Council
'An excellent publication to be put as a 'must read' in our high school curriculum.' - Gill Goughlan, State Secretary, RSL Womens' Council
'The book explores community spirit, class structure and contemporary politics in early twentieth century Melbourne.' - Marion Dewar, Editor, The Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc.

Jacqueline and John Dina wrong A Woman's War together. Their skills and experience are complementary.

Jacqueline Dina is primarily raising her three sons. In 1999, Jacqueline started yup 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 subjects, 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 human resources department of a multinational company.

John Dina has read about the two world wars for decades. John has developed an immense knowledge of respect for WWI history and its particularly interesting 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 wining 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.

A Women's War
Authors: Jacqueline and John Dinan