The Botanist's Daughter

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Until I read this book, I knew nothing about the Women’s Auxiliary Service (Burma) and the role played by the women who served the war effort by running canteens to serve the Allied troops during the Burma campaign. Ms Nunn’s book took me into that world, with the hardships of service in the jungle not far from enemy lines and the power of friendship. And weaving between the friendships and the events of 1945 and 1999, is the story of a particular netsuke. The netsuke itself is important both as a hand carved Japanese artefact and because of its story, its journey. When I walk into the exhibition, the first image I fix on is that of a wilted dandelion, printed in garish green and yellow, and pinned to the centre of one of the gallery walls. Although this image is near perhaps a hundred giant flies, the dandelion, to me, seems the most anxiety-inducing. The artist and her partner are in the room, and we talk about the relative sense of anxiety or threat that these things inspired. “I would have thought that the flies would worry me more,” I say, “but in a way they are quite beautiful, in their shades of purple and blue. But the dandelion is threatening, even though it is just a weed.” The bonds of war, lasting trauma, bravery, friendship and passion unites the latest historical tale from international bestselling author Kayte Nunn. There is a strong sense of comradery that runs through this heroic story that helps to elevate The Last Reunion to very high proportions. But over fifty years have elapsed since the women worked together, and there are secrets that threaten their friendship.

In 1945, Bea decides to join the Army in a women's only squad assigned in Burma. They are the forgotten squadron in the forgotten war, serving food and supplies to the Allied forces and coming very close to the front line. Nunn is an author passionately dedicated to her research and this is very much evident in The Last Reunion. I was amazed by the forgotten story of the lost women of the Fourteenth Army. It is vital that we dredge up these absent stories and place them in the spotlight via engaging narratives, such as The Last Reunion. I am grateful to Kayte Nunn to drawing my attention to an aspect of the war that I was not previously aware of, despite having read such a wide range of literature around the WWII conflict. I valued the time that I spent with each keynote member of the group that gave up their lives so selflessly during the Burma conflict. These were incredibly testing times for the women, especially in a physical sense. We also learn of the emotional wounds of war from viewpoint of the women decades later. This is a time that continues to haunt them, for good reasons. It was heartbreaking to read.

The Last Reunion is everything readers have come to love about Kayte Nunn’s novels: a unique story with memorable characters and deeply moving moments. It was thoroughly enjoyable and beautifully written.

The Last Reunion by Kayte Nunn is the story of a group of women who volunteered to serve in the Women's Auxiliary Service (Burma) or WAS(B) in 1945. Known to the troops as the Wasbies, these hard-working women ran mobile canteens for the 14th Army in the Burma campaign during WWII and operated in the same tough conditions in dense jungle as the allied forces. I really enjoyed reading this book, especially because I hadn't heard of the Wasbies before. However, it wasn't without its flaws. First, everything was quite briefly and superficially described, almost like a diary entry, I didn't really get a feel of what it really felt like to open so many cans of tinned meat in a single day that you got blisters or how long they must have spent making sandwiches every day, it was all just touched on briefly. Secondly, it was all a bit predictable, sanitised and happy ever after. So, a good read but not a great one. The best part of a year, but I was working as a freelance editor for some of that time, and finishing edits on my second book, so it was a little bit piecemeal. The story alternates primarily between the Wasbies and Olivia working for the art dealer and meeting Bea. Olivia knows nothing of Bea’s wartime service – she knows only that Bea is selling her husband’s collection of Japanese art. Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of The Botanist’s Daughter for review.In 1944, Beatrix, Plum, Bubbles, Lucy and Joy are assigned to a mobile canteen unit where they find themselves working long days, and nights, to supply soldiers with food, drink, sundries and a dance partner. I enjoyed getting to know these authentically portrayed, interesting female characters, admiring the strength and courage they displayed in such physically, and emotionally, challenging circumstances. Nunn’s vivid descriptions of the environment and the ‘Wasbies’ role in Burma is fascinating, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about this relatively obscure facet of wartime history. Visual artist Ruth Maclennan talks about what art can do in the face of climate change, her films of Arctic Russia and her latest film, shot in Scotland, From Time to Time at Sea I know there has been a plethora of new releases set in WWII lately, but The Last Reunion is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction who are interested in character development more than the politics or strategies of war. This is a story that weaves a contemporary story, set in 1999, with a historical one, set in 1944 during WW2. Ruth Maclennan: ‘I realised that global warming was happening, and asked, how do I as an artist respond to that’

Olga Grotova – interview: ‘I started to think how soil and plants are sometimes the only witnesses’ The Last Reunion by Kayte Nunn is set in multiple timelines that are both intriguing as each other. It’s a beautiful book filled with spirt, friendship, courage, secrets, art and revenge. A book you won’t want to put down!In Victorian England, headstrong adventuress Elizabeth takes up her late father’s quest for a rare, miraculous plant. She faces a perilous sea voyage, unforeseen dangers and treachery that threatens her entire family. I was unaware that women were so close to the frontline in Burma during WWII as they served the fighting forces as best they could. The stories these women would live to tell were truly inspiring. To go from afternoon tea parties to fearlessly facing the terrifying scenes of frontline fighting is really quite incredible. Morale is one of the most underestimated factors in winning a war,’ he said as he faced them. ‘Never forget that you ladies are playing a big part in that. The sight of a cheerful face from home does more to support the war effort than you might realise.’ ” I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect and I also thought the characterisation was pretty good. As with The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant I just found the ending a little too well put together and it verges on twee. Perhaps best read by those who enjoy a little bit of soap opera in their historical fiction. 3.5 Stars.