When He Came Home: The Impact of War on Partners and Children of Veterans
When the Vietnam War veterans returned home to Australia, neither the veterans nor their partners were aware of the atrocious psychological harm with which they had been afflicted. Post-traumatic stress disorder had not yet been recognised and as the men fell victim to terrible moods and illnesses, they capitulated to their pain and isolated themselves and their families.
With great courage and without recognition, veterans’ wives held their families together in the face of government and community indifference and did so for decades.
When He Came Home is a belated recognition of these women, and it also focuses on how the issues of PTSD and suicide affect veterans who participate in contemporary conflicts. Told within an informed historical context and employing intimate narrative interviews, this important book examines the unexamined: how so many families have been brought to their knees and how such suffering can be prevented.
“So exciting to have the book out there. Here I am at the Bendigo RSL Subbranch War Memorial where we did the first launch on Vietnam Veterans Day. (August 18)
So pleased to have the support of Vietnam Veterans’ Association. Their president, Paul Penno, very kindly spoke to the book.
The next launch was held at the Vietnam Veterans Museum on Phillip Island. (August 20th)
Particular thanks to Krishna Methven and her husband John Methven and the staff at the museum who so generously catered for the event and looked after us.”
Format: Paperback
Released: July 2021
Price: $29.95AUD
ISBN: 978-1-922454-66-9
Dianne’s new book is now available through Bendigo Dymocks.
To order your copy please email, order online or telephone Australian Scholarly Publishing.
https://scholarly.info/book/when-he-came-home/
T: +61 3 9329 6963 E: enquiry@scholarly.info
Australian Scholarly Publishing PTY LTD Post to: P.O. Box 299, Kew Vic 3101
“This is confronting, important reading.”
Steven Carroll, Saturday Age (Oct 16, 2021)
“This book reminded me I should not take no for an answer when asking my veteran patients to bring their partners for initial assessments and at key points in their treatment. Finally, it is an essential recommendation for the partners, and children, of our veteran patients.”
Dr Duncan Wallace, Consultant Psychiatrist, Contractor to Defence, Australian Defence Force Centre for Mental Health. Australasian Psychiatry
“The lives of the veterans and their families have a ripple effect through the entire community. There are not many people in Australia who have not been affected by war at some point in time. This book needs to be read by us all including politicians and officers of DVA. I thank Dianne Dempsey for putting it together and the partners/spouses for their contributions.”
Dr Gail MacDonell OAM
The Vietnam Veterans’ Newsletter: Official journal of the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia
“Here is a book that does justice to the experience of our families. It is a book about what it was like for them when we came home. It relies on both quotes from many interviews and thorough research. The book is a perfect companion to The Long Shadow (Peter Yule) and is highly recommended.”
Graham Walker, National Research Officer
Vietnam Veterans Federation