Decent book about the seamy side of life in the Outback around the start of the first World War. Definitely not "Politically Correct" but therefore a much more accurate portrayal of the lives these men led. Notice that I said "men" - there is no "love interest" at all in the book. It follows the group of men into the disastrous Gallipoli campaign. I limit 5 stars to books that I want to read once a year (at least) and 4 stars to books that I will re-read at least once. This falls pretty much in the 4 star group, but certainly not any better than that.