What Might Have Happened
926521
The Ministry Communications Unit by Gordon Smith is a piece of Australias history thinly disguised as fiction; fiction that chronicles what might have happened  or in the authors own words, could of!. Prior to the Second World War, Japan and Australia had been successful trading partners but after Japans attack on Pearl Harbour, Australia was soon at war with Japan. Various attacks by Japan soon followed and the citizens of Australia became afraid and were ready to bolt inland from the coastal regions. In 1942, General McArthur set up his headquarters for the Pacific in Brisbane and, as a result, the city needed a civilian population to ensure the smooth operation of its essential services. Due to its proximity to the Pacific battlefronts, it was a crucial geographic point for resupplying troops in battle  from both sides of the war. A plan was soon hatched to make newsreel films and articles that would not only reassure Australias civilians that they would be safe from Japanese threat but, at the same time, they would also be leaked to the Japanese in an effort to convince them that Brisbane was too difficult a city to invade. The Ministry Communications Unit chronicles the creation and development of the special public relations unit that created those movies and articles.

Although the author, Gordon Smith, categorizes his book as a work of fiction, the book reads nothing like fiction and, instead, is more akin to an accounting of real life events in Australias history. In fiction, a story unfolds through plot, characterization, action and dialogue. Smiths work is one that largely recounts information, rather than tells a fictional story. The author also has challenges with punctuation, especially in the lack of commas and in the use of possessive forms. However, from a historical aspect and the perspective of what might have been, The Ministry Communications Unit is sure to please history buffs and those readers with a particular love for Australian history.
1665847
A very probable possible reaction or outcome to this nations extreme carelessness with its riches.  I look forward to the third book in regards to same.
4610070
I would have given five stars if some pivotal elements hadn't been explained away by God's Will or predicting the future. I know it was for expediency, but coincidence is a cop out. And a miraculous happenstance is just another way of saying that this is fake.
4010557
Well written  of what might  have happened  I enjoyed the ending a rarity for me.  I read the book in one day!
1262911
This was pretty scary because it could really happen. We could easily be in the wrong place and not know it. You need to pay attention when someone has a funny feeling about stuff.
4712071
I will always speculate on three things.  First, where would such a legal proceeding have taken place.  Secondly, what would the charge have been.  Thirdly, why did the story end in such a strange way with the stabbing death of K.
1938102
Could it happen here?  Is it already happening already?  What could happen and why.. . . . . . .
1870484
This was a good guess as to how the day might have gone; I'm glad we didn't work out this way!
1172484
It would be nice if this really could happen.  It was a surprise to see who was responsible for.the calls.. It also shows that in trying to help one person you sometimes hurt another, especially if you are not doing the right thing.
322749
This is a good read. People, places, and things you would not normally run across. Well written and presented, this could happen to anyone.
57818
Great story of what might have been and then of what yet could be.  Makes you wonder about love's lost opportunities.
2941387
This book makes one think about what if this really happened. How many people would be prepared?  It's too real not to believe.
933764
The author took liberties for sure, alleging people were thinking things at any given time. Based on public behavior, even wild anecdotes seem plausible. Thats part of its draw - if the events in this book happened, I wouldnt be surprised. If they facts were stretched, Id expect they were only stretched a little.
3002778
A good read. Some of the events between characters was a little predictable, but otherwise it was a solid story. If you enjoy a good "what if?" story then you will want to pick up this novel.
619867
An awesome possibilty which could have been true. That is if hitler didn't die on the day he died. Heavily stuffed with detail and information about germany and third reich. In the beginning it might be boring. But as the story goes, adrenaline starts to pump in.
3810584
Good read on an interesting yet possible scenario
1044834
An excellent recount of the events that happened that day. The government, weather service and towns should pay attention to the lessons brought out in this book.