Riots (Fiona Skyring, UWA Publishing)

Renowned Australian historian Fiona Skyring returns with Riots, a captivating nonfiction book that unearths a chapter of ANZAC history rarely spoken of today. Skyring takes readers back to the turbulent post-war period of 1918–1920, when Australia was rocked by violent riots involving returning soldiers. She examines each of these events against the backdrop of economic crisis, mass bereavement and social discontent, revealing that the battle at home was far from over. Skyring deftly balances factual narration with critical interpretation, inviting readers to view post-war Australian society without the comforting lens of heroism and patriotism. Instead, Riots examines the far-reaching consequences of war, tracing how trauma and grief reverberated for years and in deeply varied ways. The soldiers returned home as heroes, yet demands for work and social equality persisted, ideological fissures remained, and the brutality of war radicalised individuals to desire a different, better world. Consequently, Skyring expertly argues these riots exposed how delicate the fabric of ‘peace’ truly was – and still is. A century later, Riots feels especially timely in a world still confronting political instability and the threat of global conflict. An insightful and necessary contribution to Australia’s deep and complicated history, particularly for readers of Clare Wright and those seeking a deeper understanding of how the Great War shaped and continues to shape Australian society.  

Books+Publishing reviewer: Nashin Mahee has a master's degree in creative writing, editing and publishing. When she is not reading, she can be found cafe hopping and eating pastries. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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