It was supposed to be the best Anzac Day in its history as Australians gathered to remember and thank all those who have fought in the war. One minute people were marching in the commemorative parade, the next World War II Japanese fighter planes appeared and started bombing the country. Will Australia ever rise from this devastation and have peace again? Readers can find out as they follow the events that unravel in author Greg Swarbrick’s novel, In the Spirit of our Ancestors. The 25th of April marks the national day of remembrance of Australia New Zealand, Anzac Day, where citizens honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), who fought during the First World War. It also commemorates those who have served or died in military service for their countries. In the Spirit of our Ancestors begins April 25, 2012, where young Michael joins for the first time in the Anzac Day parade march for his great-great-uncle, who fought in World War I for their freedom. He is having the time of his life with his family until disaster strikes. World War II Japanese fighter planes, supposedly decommissioned after the war, suddenly sweep over the city of Perth, dropping bombs and leaving death and destruction in their wake. A riveting tale told through the eyes of a 17-year-old, In the Spirit of our Ancestors follows Michael, his family and friends as they struggle to survive after the sudden attack on their country. It shows the sacrifices they made and the challenges of rebuilding life after such a catastrophe. Readers will find themselves engrossed from the beginning to end of this first person narrative, as they witness Michael’s coming-of-age journey and how he and the people hold on to the hope of peace once more.