It took two weeks to turn us from an ordinary, respectable Australian family into something called “enemy aliens”.’

This is the story of two girls, Gretta and Tilly, who come from different social classes. Gretta comes from a wealthy family and Tilly comes from a working family, but what brings them together is their background – they are both of German origin and find themselves classified as enemy aliens in Australia as World War I breaks out.

Australia was to intern 4500 ‘enemy aliens’ and British nationals of German heritage in conditions that were far from comfortable during the war. There was also an outpouring of hatred and suspicion of these people, many of whom had been born in Australia. The hatred of all things German saw Germantown in southern NSW become Holbeck.

Initially Gretta and Tilly do not hit it off but find they do have something in common, (apart from their German heritage) music, which brings them together. The novel not only explores the relationship between the two girls, but also how the interned survive and make sense of their new life. It also looks at the prejudice that surrounds the internees, despite the fact they become valuable members of the community. As the war draws to its conclusion the girls are split up and sadly there is no happy ending for Gretta and Tilley.

This is a well written novel, and the language would be accessible from upper primary onwards. This could be especially useful for Year 9 students who study World War I.

Reviewed by Anthony Llewellyn-Evans
Age Guide 11+