Vietnam Conscript

Merv Ryan was called-up and sent to the Vietnam war as an infantry rifleman and has drawn on his experience and knowledge from his personal diary to present a fictional story of one woman and two young men - one militant and aggressive, the other a pacifist, who are conscripted and sent to fight in the jungle. A finely written account of Australian army life on active service and the devastating effect this war had on many who took part in it. The last section of the book, dealing with post-war rehabilitation, will have special meaning for the families of such men. The book was on the suggested reading list at Canberra’s Defence Force Academy and used by counselling professionals and popular with secondary students for national service (conscription) projects.

"A book that every Australian family should read." (Fassifern Guardian)
"A novel based on memories so poignant and recalled so well that even a cynical reader can be moved to tears." (Gold Coast Bulletin)
"Compelling ... readers of ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT or viewers of Oliver Stone's BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY will recognise the basic shape ... Ryan's novel is a biography of THE Australian Vietnam veteran ... much to be commended." (Canberra Times)
"Never has a book moved me so much ... thank you for enlightening me." (Mrs A.P., Vic)