A new war, a new generation and an old enemy meet in this thrilling and poignant novel of love, loss and hope written by the bestselling author of 'Papua'. Jack Kelly and Paul Mann are like brothers; the two old wartime enemies have been through blood and fire and must now face their greatest challenge. When the Japanese threaten to invade the Pacific, they must do everything in their power to protect their country and loved ones from an ambitious and merciless enemy. Their sons, Lukas Kelly and Karl Mann, have inherited their fathers' brave and passionate natures, and are determined to do their part to support the Australian cause - romantic entanglements for the two young men raise the stakes even further. Four incredible men, with ties closer than blood, fight to hold on to love, friendship and a world that is gradually disappearing.

Reviews

Peter Watt’s new novel Eden is the sequel to 2002’s Papua. It picks up the story of Jack Kelly, Paul Mann and their sons as war is about to destroy the tranquillity of the Eden that was Papua New Guinea prior to World War II. Eden is more than an epic saga tracing the interweaving story of the Kelly and Mann families. Peter Watt describes the critical role played by the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles and the Coast Watchers in preventing a successful invasion of Port Moresby and Australia by Japanese forces. He weaves factual incidents into the narrative in a way that pays a real tribute to the many unsung heroes of the NGVR and Coast Watchers. Eden is very readable. It is an ideal plane-journey novel that can be left and picked up later without losing the thread of an overly complicated plot. The book will appeal to those who enjoyed Papua. It can, however, be read alone, as it was by this reviewer. Staff can confidently recommend the book to customers who enjoy Wilbur Smith and even those customers looking for something a little more readable in the World War II history/military genre. Booksellers should ensure that they have stock of Papua shelved along with Eden for those add-on sales. Chris Bothams is franchise owner of Dymocks Carousel, WA Bookshop of the Year 2004 C. 2004 Thorpe-Bowker and contributors