status as "the forgotten war", the poor performance of American troops, the brutality of the South Korean regime of Syngman Rhee, and the crimes against POWs. Another common theme throughout the novel is music, specifically the mouth organ, which Jacko and his family are rather adept at playing. Jimmy repeatedly reminds Jacko that this music possibly saved both of them from near-certain death in Korea. The novel explores the White Australia policy by way of the obstacles Jimmy encounters trying to secure permanent residency in Australia. In a similar vein, references appear throughout the book to Australia's racist history and its treatment of the aboriginal population as second-class citizens. 2004 novels Novels by Bryce Courtenay Novels set in Australia