Humor as a major theme? Jacko as a comedian?

Use this forum to discuss the February 2019 Book of the month, "The Warramunga's War" by Greg Kater.
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Ferdinand_Otieno
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Humor as a major theme? Jacko as a comedian?

Post by Ferdinand_Otieno »

One of the best aspects of this book is the humor inserted by the characters. I specifically loved Jacko O'Brien and his unique take on humor. The best line I liked was when he said, "I’d be just as happy to swag down near the riverbank somewhere. I could sleep on a clothesline in a cyclone tonight."
What humor in this book made you laugh the hardest and which character said it.
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Post by Angelina_Bazar »

I completely agree with you. I think Jackie was by far the funniest character. He brought some much needed comedy into the book.
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Post by zjacks »

It's always great when an author can incorporate humor into a dense, less humorous or light-hearted setting. I definitely agree!
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Post by Vscholz »

zjacks wrote: 02 Feb 2019, 21:40 It's always great when an author can incorporate humor into a dense, less humorous or light-hearted setting. I definitely agree!
The humor is actually what makes me look forward to reading more of this book. I don't read much historical or war-based. I appreciate the humor--I think it makes the characters more realistic as some use it as a defense or coping mechanism.
As for you & your heart & the things you said & didn't say, she will remember them all when men are fairy tales in books written by rabbits. (Schmendrick the Magician)
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Post by dhomespot »

Sometimes humor is all you can depend on to get you through the day! It is always great to have those around you that an put a smile on your face.
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Post by Ruba Abu Ali »

Inserting humor into the context of historical fiction adds a light heart and wit to the prose and helps you get through it smoothly. Same applies to a real-life setting.
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Post by Rose Harebate »

It sounds like Jacko is able to deliver a great humor, as it clearly seems like everyone including myself choose him. I can't wait to finish reading the book to make a better judgment.
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Post by briellejee »

I don't think humor was one of the major themes, but just an aspect of the book - and a good one at that. Jacko's character was superbly done to ease and lighten the major theme of the book which is war. And as for my favorite line of his, I don't think I have one that really got me cackling. I just like his humorous tone, especially when talking to Jamie.
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Post by briellejee »

Ruba Abu Ali wrote: 03 Feb 2019, 01:11 Inserting humor into the context of historical fiction adds a light heart and wit to the prose and helps you get through it smoothly. Same applies to a real-life setting.
Yes, I do believe it does. I hardly see historical fictions with this kind of wit and humor, so it's a first one. And would gladly recommend it to historical fiction writers because it does make the book less heavy to read.
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Post by Amy+++ »

Jacko was my favorite as well. He and Cap worked great together.
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Post by Charlyt »

I liked that Jacko kept calling Jamie "Cap" even when he wasn't a captain yet. I think it solidified the beginning of their camaraderie, and showed Jacko's personality early on.
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Post by Manali_DC »

The use of humour and Jacko O'Brien's character was a very good foil to the otherwise from topic of the book, which is war!!
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Post by Kristy Khem »

I don't think humor was a main theme in the book. War was the main theme, but I think humor was exclusive to Jacko's character. This definitely made him more interesting to read about!
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Post by Anon_Reviewer »

Charlyt wrote: 03 Feb 2019, 10:06 I liked that Jacko kept calling Jamie "Cap" even when he wasn't a captain yet. I think it solidified the beginning of their camaraderie, and showed Jacko's personality early on.
I know right? He refused to call him anything else. :lol2: The nickname also grew on me as the book progressed.
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Post by Anon_Reviewer »

I have to agree with those who point out that humor was not a major/main theme in the book. It was more of a cherry on top. :wink2:

A little correction: the statement you mention was actually made by Jamie, not Jacko. Nonetheless, Jacko was definitely the comic relief in the book. One instance that comes to mind is after he teaches Jamie to hoot. Jamie hoots so well an owl in the distance answers him. Jacko then says, “See, Cap? You’ve got it. You’ve even attracted a sexy young lady owl who-oo is desperate to meet you.”
You just gotta love Jacko. :lol2:
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