This is a war novel like no other, an aching love-story of two people trying to do right when everything around them has gone wrong. With incredibly rich detail in her characters and their struggles, treating childhood polio, indigenous Tolai beliefs, the Aussie army during World War II and much more. Central to the story is a Jewish physician fighting his affection for a fellow officer, and a captivating, widely diverse supporting cast. With lyrical descriptions, the reader is absorbed into a time and place that history has forgotten, the tropical paradise of Rabaul on the deadly Pacific front line.

Nev March, author of award-winning Murder in Old Bombay

“Exquisite battle sequences of utter chaos. Readers can taste the feel of being outnumbered with antique WWI ordnance, all communications cut off, and no place to go. Homage to James Michener, Herman Wouk, and James Jones.”

Roger Crossland, retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer and author of The Abalone Ukulele

“You convey so well in your writing that Tolia people while very respectful are also a very proud lot.”

Tolai researcher Angelique Giranah, Director, Niugini Singaut Ltd.

“Gripping and sensual love story between two Australian officers during World War Two New Guinea, one a doctor driven to heal, the other an officer with a past he is determined to forget. Amid the worlds of army camp and hospital, the native Tolai, and the fight against fungus sores, malaria, and polio, Jake falls in love with the enigmatic Wip, love which was then against the law. The two men’s spiritual and physical bond will face even dire challenges as the first enemy bombs fall. BEYOND is an utterly fascinating nove. lMagically done. Very hard to put down, impossible to forget.”

Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude & Camille and The Boy in the Rain, American Book Award

Editorial Reviews

Review

The author's meticulous research, evocative writing, deeply introspective and compelling characters, an emotionally complex and historically relevant plot, and a unique setting make this an unforgettable story. Goldberg deftly explores loyalty and betrayal, inner and outer wars, error and redemption, and many other dualities. There's much to unpack in this richly woven tale, but the writer guides readers through the scenes with a sense of natural ease.

RECOMMENDED by The US Review of Books

Beyond the Bukubuk Tree is a powerful exposition of human emotion and the horrors of war, especially for those unprepared for the conditions and environment...What this story also conveys starkly and harshly is the terrible conditions these Australian soldiers endured in East New Britain.

Five Stars. Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

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