And in the Morning

 And in the Morning

Reviewed By  Nan van Dissel       September 21, 2026

 

Author  Lenny Robinson

Distributor:      UQP Books
ISBN:                 9780702268847
Publisher:         University of Queensland Press
Release Date:   4 August 2026  

   Website:   https://www.uqp.com.au/books/and-in-the-morning

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Most readers will recognise the title of this beautifully written book as being a line from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’, which is part of every remembrance ceremony, and where the emphasis generally tends to be on those who have died in war. 

Lenny Robinson debut prize winning novel, however, focuses on three women left behind in three of these wars; World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War. This impressive novel explores the interwoven stories of three generations of women who have experienced the consequences of these conflicts.

It is 1919 and young mother Lily anxiously awaits the return of her husband Light Horseman Bert, who has seen the horrors of Gallipoli. Resuming their married life is difficult, as neither Bert nor Lily can fully understand the sacrifices which each of them had made during their forced time apart. Their three-year-old son Teddy, who has never met his father, struggles with the concept of a new man in his mother’s bed.  

Melbourne 1942 is a city crowded with American servicemen, who cause trouble for the local soldiers. On the eve of deployment, shy and reticent Fran, newly joined up with the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force, and friends spend a carefree night at a dance. Fran meets serviceman Ed and an immediate attraction is felt by them both.

In 1969, grieving widow Fran is preparing for the funeral of her one and only beloved child, conscripted son Robbie, who has been killed in Vietnam. Fran is haunted by the belief that she could have done something to stop Robbie from going to Vietnam.

I highly recommend this wonderful book, which honours the courage and resilience of Australian women in war. This marvellous read gives the reader a perfect insight into their lives.

Fiction, General, Historical