Reader Comments
Some comments from readers
Jim Campbell of Brisbane
I suggest the book War Spoils: A Childhood Painting, My Grandfather, His Sons and a Stunning Revelation is a “piece of gold” not only for the author’s family but for all readers interested in thought-provoking insights into our history.
The poem War Spoils, which is at the book’s heart, is not only beautifully written but effectively encapsulates the stories of Henry, Robert and Denis Dobbyn. These stories of the fabric of life in the first half of the 20th Century would be lost to time if not for the publication of Captain Henry Dobbyn’s journal and other memorabilia the author found.
Kaye Rollings of Perth
Paul Dobbyn’s poem War Spoils is a masterpiece of emotion and baring of soul. No one could read it and not be profoundly moved. It touched me deeply.
I also found the author’s grandfather’s story gripping and poignant, even more so because it’s told in a matter-of-fact manner. So much left unsaid.
Rod Trim, Brisbane
War Spoils is a fantastic, striking, intensely personal account of the terrible necessities of war and the lasting effects it can have on families over generations.
This is epitomized right from the start by the selection of the cover illustration, which is a reproduction of the famous Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois, which depicts the evening blessing of the 800 soldiers of the regiment before next day’s Battle of Aubers Ridge. The author’s grandfather, among those being blessed, was seriously wounded in that battle.
This very moving piece of work should be compulsory reading for all politicians. Highly recommended.
Ann Westlake of Wynnum
A wonderful book! I found the story and characters so compelling I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one long sitting.
John Rumney of Russell Island
War Spoils was truly magnificent and a great showpiece for the author’s impressive talents. Paul melded poetry with the hard reality of historical fact and imagery to create an engaging documentary of a family’s involvement in war.
My favourite part of the book was discovering the significance of the painting on the book’s cover and the journal account of the event by Paul’s grandfather, who was actually present on May 8, 1915.
Peter Moseley of Wynnum
War Spoils helped me to understand more about the impact of war. These matters are obviously familiar but Paul’s book made it personal through discussions of father’s mental health issues.
Paul’s grandfather, Captain Henry Dobbyn’s journal blew me away, just the way he kept going on, battle after battle … but there was no animosity to the enemy. He was a soldier doing his work. Paul’s poem War Spoils also came to mean a lot to me.
Adrian Taylor, Brisbane
Having known the author for some time, I found it very moving to delve into his family history.
I especially enjoyed Paul’s grandfather’s journal notes. How efficiently and economically people wrote back then, and yet still conveying the necessary amount of emotion.
Laurelle Bromwell, Brisbane
The author’s journey through grief, to reach an understanding about the impact of war upon his family members and himself, was one of my favourite parts of the book.
I also loved the story behind the painting The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois, featured on the book’s cover.
The thoughtfulness of Paul’s grandfather to write a journal for his own son was also very significant because if he died young, as his own father had, his son would have a good idea about his life.
Mary Schmidt, Brisbane
I’m so glad Paul Dobbyn wrote “War Spoils”. We often see war glamourized in movies and so on. However, a book like this, with its very personal touch and insights, wakes people up to the reality of war, how horrible it is and how hard it is for ordinary people to endure so many sufferings. That the author’s relatives are some of “War Spoils” main characters makes this story even more moving.