Road in the Wilderness

Road in the Wilderness is a 1952 Australian novel by Peter Pinney. It was Pinney's first novel.
It was to be the first publication from the Australasian Book Society. The novel was based on Pinney's experiences in World War Two. According to Tribune "The Society's selectors were impressed with the warmth, vigor and humanity of this study of a small company of men in a forward outpost of New Guinea in the recent war, and strongly recommended its publication." Printing delays and seeking legal advice saw publication pushed back.

Reception

The Bulletin said "Pinney will not add to the reputation he achieved in Dust on My Shoes. He emerged from his travel-book as a person of interest, but in this formless novel about aspects of the Bougainville cam-paign he does not appear in person and has provided no substitute. His soldiers are dull: mentally, morally and actually."
The Argus called it "a tough, sinewy action story of the A.I.F. in Bougainville, written with deliberate speed and harshness."
The News said "The language wouldn't suit the vicar, but the result is, in the main, a vivid and absorbing story that carries the stamp of authenticity."
The Tribune wrote "the criticism of Road in the Wilderness shows two distinct trends:—
• Poor progressive content.
• Superficial treatment of story."