CAPTIVATED by the words of author Peter FitzSimons, around 50 readers huddled into MacLean's Booksellers in Hamilton on Monday evening for the launch of his latest book.
In a fitting tribute to Remembrance Day on November 11, FitzSimons spoke on his latest novel, The Legend of Albert Jacka, a story about "Australia's greatest frontline soldier".
"It's been an honour and a privilege to try bring these stories to life," he said.
As rain peppered down on Beaumont street, it was an ambient and intimate evening for book lovers.
Colin Sherwood made the trip down from Armidale to meet FitzSimons and have his book signed.
"In the last 10 years I've read about 13 of his historical books. They're quite long so it takes some time to read," he said.
"His storytelling keeps you on edge and the way that he speaks. I appreciate his theme to write non fiction as though it was fiction. He brings history alive."
Newcastle Nicki Graham said the author was "amazing and intriguing" and had the new book and her copy of Kokoda signed.
"I could listen to him for hours. I love how he weaves his extensive knowledge and engages with the audience," she said.
"It's fantastic and very fitting being able to have him here launching his book locally on Remembrance Day."
Jacka was awarded Australia's first Victoria Cross (VC) of World War I for killing seven Turks at a trench in Gallipoli.
He killed five with his rifle and two with his bayonet. It was May 1915.
Jacka's actions stopped a Turkish incursion, which FitzSimons described as "the biggest threat to the ANZACS since the beginning of the Gallipoli landing".
Jacka, then 22, performed his heroics through desperation as fellow Diggers lay dead or dying in the trenches around him.
He became a national hero.
FitzSimons has written about a book a year, sometimes two, since his first one in 1991.
