An account of Ruhl's experiences in almost all WWI's hot spots.

The personal account of a field ambulance commander. It’s full of humour and sympathy for both sides. The Australian love of swimming and the beach makes an appearance, even though the beach was in the line of fire of Turkish positions.

A seminal work of Realism, and one of the most influential novels ever written.

"What is remarkable in Madame Bovary is that its mediocre beings, with their earthbound ambitions and pedestrian problems, impress us, by virtue of the structure and the writing that create them, as beings who are out of the ordinary within their ordinary manner of being." - Mario Vargas Llosa, in The Perpetual Orgy

The novel focuses on a doctor's wife, Emma Bovary, as she spirals out of control trying to escape the banalities and emptiness of provincial life.

David Copperfield is a marvellous showcase for Dickens' writing brilliance. In it, the title character David Copperfield relates the story of his life, growing up in a world that has kinder moments but which too often can be so cruel. As usual, Dickens has created a cast of interesting characters who at times add comic moments to the story and almost always present Copperfield with many a life lesson. In part autobiographical, this story has been described by Dickens himself as his "favourite son". A must read.

Emma is the comic novel by Jane Austen that centres around the "handsome, clever and rich", if somewhat spoilt, Emma Woodhouse who fancies herself as a match-maker to her friends. Set in Regency England, comedy ensues as Emma throws herself into the pursuits of love and marriage for others whilst herself remaining apparently immune to the charms of the opposite sex. Witty and charming - quintessential Jane Austen.

Great Expectations is one of Dickens' later works and considered one of his best. It is notable for it's more naturalistic depiction of characters; here motivations and personal viewpoints form the heart of the narrative. The story follows the arc of a young orphan's life as he first tries to raise himself to a higher station in life and finally discovers the solution to some mysteries and comes to terms with himself.