Paper, Scissors, Stone is Realistic Historical Fiction. But it is also a tribute to Australian soldiers who volunteered to defend South Korea when that fledgling democracy was invaded by communist North Korea in 1950. The book follows the separate but interconnected lives of Michael, Andrew, and Jacob - through several years until tragic circumstances finally bring them together at the 38th Parallel. It includes the recruitment, training, brotherhood, love-lives, families, and battle experiences, with detail, humour and tragedy.
The story emphasizes the futility of lethal daily fighting for a few kilometres of useless territory while armistice negotiations dragged on for two years. The book is unashamedly Australian but includes a Glossary of Aussie terms and slang - plus a (non-fiction) Preface describing the history of the 'Hermit Kingdom' how and why the war occurred, to put readers in the picture .