Road in the Wilderness
| Author | Peter Pinney |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | World War Two |
| Publisher | Australasian Book Society |
Publication date | 1952 |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Pages | 221 |
Road in the Wilderness is a 1952 Australian novel by Peter Pinney. It was Pinney's first novel.[1]
It was to be the first publication from the Australasian Book Society.[2] The novel was based on Pinney's experiences in World War Two.[3] According to Tribune "The Society's selectors were impressed with the warmth, vigor and humanity of this study of a small company of men in a forward outpost of New Guinea in the recent war, and strongly recommended its publication."[4] Printing delays and seeking legal advice saw publication pushed back.[5]
Reception
The Bulletin said "Pinney will not add to the reputation he achieved in Dust on My Shoes. He emerged from his travel-book as a person of interest, but in this formless novel about aspects of the Bougainville cam-paign he does not appear in person and has provided no substitute. His soldiers are dull: mentally, morally and actually."[6]
The Argus called it "a tough, sinewy action story of the A.I.F. in Bougainville, written with deliberate speed and harshness."[7]
The News said "The language wouldn't suit the vicar, but the result is, in the main, a vivid and absorbing story that carries the stamp of authenticity."[8]
The Tribune wrote "the criticism of Road in the Wilderness shows two distinct trends:— • Poor progressive content. • Superficial treatment of story."[9]
References
- ^ Lambert, E., (reviewedby). (1952). Road in the Wilderness; The Ridge and the River [Book Review]. Meanjin, 11(4), 415–416. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.696581665320704
- ^ "A PLACE In THE SUN". The Sun News-pictorial. No. 9240. Victoria, Australia. 7 May 1952. p. 11. Retrieved 23 November 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "WEEK-END FEATURES..." Northern Standard. Vol. 7, no. 309. Northern Territory, Australia. 23 May 1952. p. 6. Retrieved 23 November 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Formation of Australasian Book Society is big news". Tribune. No. 742. New South Wales, Australia. 28 May 1952. p. 6. Retrieved 23 November 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Frank Hardy on writing and sport". Tribune. No. 750. New South Wales, Australia. 23 July 1952. p. 8. Retrieved 23 November 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Bougainville Novel", The Bulletin., Sydney, N.S.W: John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 4 March 1953, nla.obj-532963494, retrieved 23 November 2025 – via Trove
- ^ "The full sordid story told". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 33, 161. Victoria, Australia. 13 December 1952. p. 13. Retrieved 23 November 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Seven quick looks". News. Vol. 60, no. 9, 173. South Australia. 2 January 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 23 November 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Wide interest in Pinney's vivid new novel of Jungle warfare". Tribune. No. 777. New South Wales, Australia. 4 February 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 23 November 2025 – via National Library of Australia.