You'll Be Sorry is a penetrating account of the experiences of the women who served in the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) during World War II and their experiences in post-war Australia in a superb account of womens participation in Australian history and their battle against 'shriveled sensibilities of a society hell bent on putting females in their place'. In World War Two 66,000 women joined the services. Ann Howard reveals in her new book how they overcame resistance and prejudice and captures a unique view of Australian history told through the eyes of the women who left their homes to join the AWAS, and later the impact their forced return would have on future perception and opportunities for women in Australia.
These often simple reflections on an amazing and rapidly changing times show how war set the foundation for a revolution in their lives. Their stories range across Australia and are recounted with unflagging honesty. Howard presents a vivid account of womens growing independence and confidence as they made their sacrifice and in the face of much doubt and some opposition became workers for the war effort. The battle continued post war as the now ex-servicewomen returned to Civvy street. They were called on to make a further and to some, by this stage, an even greater sacrifice, by returning to the home.
Their new role was to look after the men who had served. And many of their stories are horrendous. Their stories are told either in interviews, diary notes and supported with poignant photos and remarkable archival material. It is these personal accounts that make this book informative, intriguing and a rewarding read. The changes for women during and post the war would set the foundation for the Women's Liberation Movement of the 70's and the foundation for women to have more and 'be' more. Ann Howard honours our grandmothers and mothers for their contribution to the great campaigns for equal opportunity in a superb account of womens participation in Australian history.
