The Wild Date Palm

Praise for Diane Armstrong

'Diane Armstrong's novel is a nuanced rendition of the moral conundrums individuals face in extremis. She concludes that "perhaps no sin is unforgivable, if you can understand the sinner". Among survivors, forgiveness and understanding are highly charged and hotly contested notions. Armstrong's novel is sincere contribution to that fraught discussion.' Louise Adler, The Australian

'Both moving and evocative, The Collaborator will appeal equally to lovers of historical fiction, romance, legal drama or family mystery. With six historic works behind her, Armstrong (herself a child Holocaust survivor) knows well how to develop full characters and to cleverly plot multiple story strands with deftness and finesse.' Scott Whitmont, Lindfield Bookshop

'Guaranteed to hook you with its powerful and emotive journey back into a turbulent history, The Collaborator is a superb and compelling novel that comes highly recommended' - Canberra Weekly

'A very well researched and carefully crafted historical mystery, all the more enjoyable because it is based on a true story...it makes for a fascinating tale of courage and resilience, expertly interwoven in the story of a young woman discovering her family's roots and finding love and a new life along the way.' - Goodreads review

'The Collaborator is a well researched and believable tale, based on true events. It has betrayal, secrets and a touch of romance. Even though it's nearly 500 pages I read this book in one day, the story is engrossing.' - Goodreads review

'A long absorbing read and a satisfying and emotional ending to a fully immersive novel.' - Netgalley review

'This is most certainly a fascinating tale of courage and compassion during dire circumstances. Tied in neatly to the present day with the search for not only the truth but also personal answers, this is a book I would highly recommend to history lovers.' - Great Reads and Tea Leaves

'a well-researched, interesting and thought provoking novel ... relevant and educational as well as deeply moving, and recommend[ed] to all lovers of the genre. ' - But Books Are Better

'A fascinating tale' - Read Around Oz, blog

Winter Journey

'A consummate writer at the top of her form. ..remarkable for her narrative dexterity and emotional resonance. A bold adventure of a novel.... a fine fictional debut from a writer who's already made her mark.'

- Sara Dowse, The Canberra Times

'A cleverly crafted mystery... a good story, well told. Armstrong's skill in weaving an elaborate fabric out of her characters and subject matter stand her in good stead...the bleak wintry landscapes of the Polish countryside are vividly captured.'

- Andrew Riemer, Sydney Morning Herald

'A complex and often heart-and-gut-wrenching novel. The book intelligently explores the need to confront and acknowledge evil before it can be exorcised. Armstrong's supremely confronting basic material is crucial to our understanding of ourselves as `warped timber' humanity.'

- Katharine England, Adelaide Advertiser

'The best and worst of the human spirit are dredged up in this profoundly moving, compelling and superbly written story.'

- Carol George, Australian Women's Weekly

'Diane Armstrong has done it again with an absorbing page-turner...an intriguing yarn that would make an excellent movie.'

- Stan Marks, Australian Jewish News

Nocturne

'Like Geraldine Brooks, Diane Armstrong's historical research is expertly woven into the fabric of a fictional tale, providing an engrossing `faction' of heroism and resilience which will appeal to both fans of fictional dramatic/romantic sagas, as well as lovers of insightful history'

AUSTRALIAN BOOKSELLER & PUBLISHER

'Easy reading, racy... Diane Armstrong's Nocturne is in the category of blockbuster with extra heart. The stories of the role played by young women in the Warsaw revolt are extraordinary. Through her central character, Elzunia, she explicitly points the story with resonances from `Gone with the Wind.' Armstrong keeps us turning the pages and may well introduce a new readership to a story that must keep on being told.'

THE AGE

'I found myself replaying the scenes in the book like a film reel in my mind... Nocturne is one of those novels that will leave you reading into the night and will stay with you, like the notes of an unforgettable melody, long after you've read the last line.'

AUSTRALIAN JEWISH NEWS

'A gallant and gut-wrenching story. The accounts of the two uprisings...are dramatic and heart-breaking ...superb reading.'

AUSTRALIAN BOOK REVIEW

'Nocturne had me captured from its opening chapters...it is an inspirational account of how ordinary people are forced to find strength and courage within themselves when the world around them falls apart.'

VIBEWIRE

'If you're looking for a book that really leaves you thinking about life and its transience, then Nocturne is a have-to read...I found this book very hard to put down... Although it is quite long, every word is worthwhile.'

MEAP CAREERS

Mosaic

Mosaic has been acclaimed by Nobel Prizewinner Elie Wiesel who wrote: 'Diane Armstrong's book is a source of delight to the reader. Written with fervour and talent, it will capture your attention and retain it to the last page.'

Joseph Heller, author of Catch 22 wrote: 'Mosaic flows like a novel, which once started, is hard to put down. it is a compelling family history of extraordinary people set against some of the most frightening events of our century. The depth of emotions evoked is stunning. I was thrilled and deeply moved.'

'Compulsive reading, thanks in no small part to Armstrong's ability to bring each character to life.'

THE BULLETIN

'A stirring and powerful tapestry into which she has masterfully interwoven the story of her family with the enormity of the Holocaust, commuting fluently between the individual and the historical, the particular and the universal.'

AUSTRALIAN JEWISH NEWS

'Her rich account of lives good and bad, love, joy, bravery, greed, and bitterness is a testament to the human spirit. Armstrong's stories will bring smiles and tears.'

MARIE-CLAIRE

'It is no small achievement and it bristles with life ... Mosaic is a work of many levels. But ultimately it succeeds because most of its characters demonstrate how the human spirit can soar way, way above adversity.'

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'A most remarkable book about one family's experience ... a rich and compelling history history ... Just as A.B. Facey's A Fortunate Life and Sally Morgan's My Place have become part of the national literary heritage, so too has Mosaic earned its place in our social dialogue as part of our cultural tapestry."

DAILY TELEGRAPH

'A haunting Holocaust history that deserves shelf space alongside Primo Levi and Elie Wiesel. Diane Armstrong's work is a monumental accomplishment - both accessible enough and powerful enough to linger in our consciousness long after we have turned the last page.'

BARNES & NOBLE

'Mosaic has the epic sweep and emotional depth of a 19th Century novel. Her skillful blending of vibrant individual voices across the generations makes this memoir a touching tribute to the healing powers of storytelling as well as to the unquenchable human spirit.'

AMAZON.COM

'A homage to Armstrong's family and a moving and poignant celebration of survival'

BOOKLIST

'A vivid, heartwarming, family memoir. The plot and her characters move along in a fast-paced, tightly-woven narrative.'

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

The Voyage of Their Lives

'Armstrong weaves in these individual tales with great skill. They flow in and out of the narrative in rhythm with the ship's slow movement from the old world to the new.'

THE AGE

'Armstrong's triumph in this history is to avoid judgment or argument ... she allows readers to enter into the mindset of the refugees, to empathise with them'

WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN

'The characters become familiar and absorbing ... almost unbearably moving'

AUSTRALIAN BOOK REVIEW

'She is a natural sleuth ... her writing is clear, incisive, yet imaginative'

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'[Diane Armstrong] has turned out an absorbing and very human work, laced with drama, love, hatreds and problems with almost Marx Brothers or Monty Python humour. ... A rewarding read.'

AUSTRALIAN JEWISH NEWS

'A valuable contribution to the literature of multicultural Australia'

NEWCASTLE HERALD

'meticulously researched and inspired insight into Australian history'

BRISBANE NEWS

'A very moving account ... her eye for detail brings these refugees to life'

THE AUSTRALIAN WAY

'While it is a good read, The Voyage of Their Life is also an important historical document in that it gives humanity and dignity to the stories of dispossessed people arriving in post-war Australia.'

WENTWORTH COURIER

'Amazing story of survival at sea and life after World War II in Australia ... Armstrong's story is a remarkable tale of courage, persistence, and finding hope at a time when it appeared that there was none to hold onto.'

TRAVEL LINK

'Using her nose for journalism and dogged detective work, Diane has pieced together a rich tapestry of lives'

FRIDAY MAGAZINE

'Diane Armstrong's study of the Derna is an important contribution to postwar Australian history. Her careful research combined with her excellent writing skills make this book essential reading for anyone interested in the development of Australian society.'

Dr Suzanne Rutland, AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL

'Fascinating and thought provoking.' - Netgalley review

'The Collaborator is a stunning blend of the past, the present and the promise of the future.' - Better Reading

'Diane Armstrong seamlessly intertwines these beautiful and heart-wrenching stories.' - Better Reading

'Armstrong's talent for writing rich historical fiction has yet again proved itself.' - Better Reading

'The Collaborator is evocative and moving; a fantastically written gem that you won't want to put down!' - Better Reading

'A tale expertly woven and thoroughly enjoyable and intriguing.' - Netgalley review

'A fascinating tale of one man's courage.' - Netgalley review

'It has betrayal, secrets and a touch of romance.' - Goodreads review

'a fascinating tale of courage and resilience' - Goodreads review

'An excellent writer, I'll definitely be reading more' - Goodreads review

'a well-researched, interesting and thought provoking novel' - Goodreads review

'Just brilliant' - Goodreads review

'an astounding story based on true events' - Goodreads review

'I would highly recommend to history lovers.' - Goodreads review

'absorbing read and a satisfying and emotional ending to a fully immersive novel.' - Goodreads review

'fascinating and thought provoking throughout' - Goodreads review

'The characters and their dilemmas and decisions are beautifully brought to life' - Goodreads review

'The word I uttered aloud when the final page was done, was 'wow!' I absolutely loved this book.' - Goodreads review

'Loved this' - Goodreads review

'A heartbreaking but fascinating novel based on the true, astonishing events.' - Netgalley review

'An enthralling story of heroism, vengeance, passion and betrayal.' - Netgalley review

'quite the mystery with an astonishing and amazing ending' - NetGalley review