Mark Svendsen

As Hammers Fall Mark Svendsen

Empire, war, and Spanish Influenza meet youthful naiveté.

Set in the political melting pot of Australia's early Federation, a nation and its youth must overcome personal and global adversity to build a life of integrity, justice and a fair go for all.

Joseph Hill is a passionate idealist. He believes in socialism and peace. But life is complicated. Joe Hill is also in love with his best mate's girl, friends with the 'treacherous' Russian émigrés and firebrand trade unionists, is a pacifist fighting the forced conscription of men to the army, the son of radical Socialists and, in spite of all, needs to keep believing that only the Revolution can heal the planet.

As old world certainties crumble around him, Joe Hill must try to make sense of the maelstrom of social and personal change, insecurity and betrayals that the First World War and its aftermath brings.