I found the book very engaging and wanted to keep reading. Val weaves an account of the Coup with its commitment politics through her personal story and in the process paints a vivid picture of Fijian life during that period.

Carol Segal, NSW

I had no idea what you were going through. I would have been out of there in two days.

Ray Clifford, UK

I’m really enjoying it, easy to read, entertaining, a bit of fun, fear, excitement, anxiety, you’ve captured the atmosphere very well.

Pam Dacosta, NSW

I’ve finished reading your memoir Fijian Shadows. I found it totally engrossing and could relate to everything, nodding with just about every page. You could have been writing about PNG. Like you, I left with a deep affection for the people of PNG and genuine sadness at returning to my comfortable middle-class life in Australia.

Stella Coram, Melbourne

I have just finished reading your splendid book. Having been there at the same time, but in a different role, I thoroughly enjoyed your account of your experience, which was so different from mine. I am amazed at the detail of your day-by-day account of the unfolding and changing political situation, and the effect on you and your life, at the university and at home.

Sue Boyd, Perth

What I liked about your book (a lot)

Katy Richmond, Melbourne