Far From Me | Austin Macauley Publishers ;
Best Book Publishers UK | Austin Macauley Publishers

By: Adrian McLean

Far From Me

Pages: 452 Ratings: 5.0
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Based on a true story, Far From Me is a tale of friendship, romance and tragedy set against the backdrop of a country in the grip of an epic fight for survival.


On the 3rd of September, 1939, the lives of two young Australians are changed forever when Neville Chamberlain declares that Britain is at war with Germany.


On his farm in the outback of Victoria, fifteen-year-old Keith is wide-eyed at the news and bursting to hear what his schoolmates make of it. The announcement lands differently on the west coast, where the plans of Johnny and his young bride are put on hold when life in their hometown of Perth is disrupted by a huge influx of US troops and military hardware. Johnny’s loyalties are torn between devotion to his new wife and duty to his country. 


Three years into the conflict, the paths of Keith and Johnny converge when they meet up in Canada during training for the Australian Air Force. Both are carrying scars from unexpected loss.


Their friendship survives the excesses of Montreal nightlife, a treacherous Atlantic crossing and a sobering encounter with the makeshift drabness of wartime England. During bitter fighting at the turn of 1945, they join a rookie crew under the benevolent leadership of a veteran captain and find unexpected comfort in a sleepy market town in Southern England.


The crew graduate to operational missions flying Lancaster bombers. Through countless nerve-shredding moments, they discover the fine margins between survival and disaster before getting to savor the wild, euphoric release of VE Day.


But fate is not finished with them yet.

Australian born, Adrian McLean was raised and lived in England for most of his adult life and was privileged to spend an academic career at the University of Bath. His interest in cultural change in organizations led him to a career in consulting. He has published a number of books and articles in this field. He moved to Vermont in 2002 and then to Canada in 2017 where he now spends his retirement in the company of his wife and Border Collie. He enjoys being a grandfather, singing in a choir and writing fiction. Adrian’s father served in the RAAF on Lancaster bombers towards the end of WW II. Far From Me was inspired by his experiences during the war.

Customer Reviews
5.0
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1 reviews
  • Anonymous

    Far From Me by Adrian McLean carries the reader into the emotional and transformative journeys of two young men who sign up to serve in World War II. At its heart, the novel is not only a war story but also a deeply moving exploration of friendship, loyalty to each other and to the allies, and personal growth under extraordinary circumstances. McLean’s writing is both engaging and sensitive. He invites readers into the hearts and minds of his protagonists, allowing us to experience their hopes, fears, and moral struggles as they leave behind the familiarity of home and deal with the challenges of their mission. Rather than focusing solely on their operational missions, the novel emphasizes internal conflicts that shape the young men as individuals. The pacing keeps the interesting narrative moving while allowing space for reflection. McLean’s attention to emotional nuance ensures the story resonates beyond its historical setting. Far From Me, while giving an Air Force perspective into the war, reminds us that the most powerful stories are often those of connection and shared humanity. Knowing that this novel is based on a true story gives it even greater depth."

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