It is part of a trilogy centering on the character of David Meredith. The other books in the trilogy are 'Clean Straw for Nothing' and 'A Cartload of Clay'.

First in a trilogy, ‘My Brother Jack’ is a story that spans the period from WWI to the end of WWII. David Meredith's parents both go off to WWI and on their return he experiences a world of broken men. His father becomes erratic and violent as he wonders what all the sacrifices during WWI were for.

David is envious of his brother Jack. Jack is outgoing, confident, charming to women, strong and masculine. David is introverted and finds comfort in reading. He finds pleasure in writing then gets a job as a journalist. By war's end he is a famous war correspondent. (from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/741200.My_Brother_Jack).

Through the story of the two brothers, George Johnston created an enduring exploration of two Australian myths: that of the man who loses his soul as he gains worldly success, and that of the tough, honest Aussie battler, whose greatest ambition is to serve his country during the war.

Acknowledged as one of the true Australian classics, ‘My Brother Jack’ is a deeply satisfying, complex and moving literary masterpiece.

This was adapted into a television movie of the same name in 2001, which is available in our collection here:
My brother Jack. [DVD]