Semut

Discover the gripping tale of Operation Semut, a captivating historical fiction set in March 1945. Immerse yourself in the narrative where a diverse group of young Allied operatives are parachuted into the dense jungles of Borneo, amidst the turbulence of World War II. As they strive to recruit the indigenous Dayak peoples to join the fight against Japanese occupation, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with cultural encounters and life-threatening challenges. With the operatives' limited knowledge of the region's languages and customs, and the Dayaks' unfamiliarity with outsiders, the tension and drama unfold in an exquisitely detailed narrative that illuminates this little-known chapter of history. Christine Helliwell, a renowned anthropologist, brings her extensive research and first-hand experiences to life, shedding light on the resilience and bravery of the Dayak tribes. This trade paperback, published in 2021 by Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, spans 576 pages of intense storytelling, perfect for history buffs and literary enthusiasts alike. Benefit from FREE shipping on this product, though combined shipping with other items is not available. Experience the evocative blend of history and suspense with this remarkable book on Operation Semut today!

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780143790020
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd
Pages: 576


Description:
March 1945. A handful of young Allied operatives are parachuted into the remote jungled heart of the Japanese-occupied island of Borneo, east of Singapore, there to recruit the island's indigenous Dayak peoples to fight the Japanese. Yet most have barely encountered Asian or indigenous people before, speak next to no Borneo languages, and know little about Dayaks, other than that they have been - and may still be - headhunters. They fear that on arrival the Dayaks will kill them or hand them over to the Japanese. For their part, some Dayaks have never before seen a white face.

So begins the story of Operation Semut, an Australian secret operation launched by the organisation codenamed Services Reconnaisance Department - popularly known as Z Special Unit - in the final months of WWII. Anthropologist Christine Helliwell has called on her years of first-hand knowledge of Borneo, interviewed more than one hundred Dayak people and all the remaining Semut operatives, and consulted thousands of military and other documents to pie

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