Review: Smoky Joe's Cafe by Bryce Courtenay

 

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Thommo is a returned vet from Vietnam, and is damaged with PTSD and multiple undiagnosed skin conditions, of which the Department of Vet Affairs denies is a result of the war. Thommo has nightmares from the war, has violent outbursts, and struggles to fit into normal civilian life.

"I'm a bloody coward. Oh shit, what am I gunna do? I'm a heap o' shit. They give me a medal. I let me best mate die, took the ditch for meself and they give me a fucking medal! A lousy medal."

Thommo has married his childhood sweetheart, and life is not going well for them. Between the nightmares and the outbursts, Thommo is hanging together by a thread, his marriage is on the rocks, and his only care in life is the welfare of his wife and young daughter.

Thommo's and his wife Wendy have a little girl together, Anna who is sick with cancer, leukaemia. Anna's only chance of survival is a bone marrow transport, not only are the costs of the surgery horrendous, but the hope of finding a donor match is next to impossible.

Thommo's old Platoon captain, reaches out to him, to organise a reunion of sorts, he asks if it can be held at Thommos' cafe (Smokey Joe's Cafe) which his wife inherited, when her father passed away.

Thommo's Platoon with the assistance of Wendy's fighting spirit, hitch a plan in an attempt to save little Anna's life.

"No more government, no more handouts and being thought of as bludgers working the system. We're helping ourselves, doing it our way and, as I said, it feels fucking wonderful"

I found the book to be a fast paced quick read. Bryce Courtenay does what Bryce does best, he has written a wonderful Australian Historical Fiction.

5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, well-researched, entertaining and/or moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author.