Simpson and
his Donkey by Mark Greenwood,
illustrated by Frane Lessac (Walker Books)
PB RRP $16.95
ISBN 9781921529542
Reviewed by Anastasia
Gonis
The heroic life and death
of Jack Simpson and his donkey is presented again by husband and wife team Mark
Greenwood and Frane Lessac. It starts with Jack’s life before he sailed for
Australia, then aboard as a stoker. His working history shows us the man he
was, and how easy it was for Jack to serve ‘king and country’ when the war broke
out.
But fear replaced the
sense of adventure that many soldiers set out with, when the fighting started
on the ‘razorback ridges’. Jack was working tirelessly carrying wounded to the
boats to be evacuated, when he came upon a stray donkey which he named Duffy.
Thus they became Simpson and his donkey.
This immortal story has
been brought to life again through Greenwood’s ability to tell a great tale,
and make it sound fresh and new. Lessac’s insightful illustrations fit like a
glove around Greenwood’s words. Detailed and expressive, each full page
illustration gives up all of Simpson’s bravery, determination and courage, as
he carries water to thirsty troops, and makes the return journey with a wounded
soldier on Duffy’s back. One of them being his childhood friend Billy.
It also gives us a clear
picture of Gallipoli and the conditions the men experienced there. It’s a
salute to this part of Australian history that is in our hearts and memories.
Simpson was admired and
respected as ‘the bravest of the brave’ due to his humanity. He died the way he
lived - always doing what was right, and serving others. He was buried at Hell
Spit. We must also reflect as we turn each page of this beautifully illustrated
edition with its poetic prose, on all that we are because of Gallipoli.
Lest We
Forget.
