My favourite period of history is: the Second World War. It was, in my view, the fight for Western civilisation. Aside from being the greatest tragedy in human history, it heralded the end of European colonialism; was the catalyst for nationalism and communism in Asia; ushered in a new order in Europe; and gave rise to another fascinating period – the Cold War. But it did not end conflict.

Australians are interested in war history: for many reasons. Some see our national identity as being intimately connected to Australian bravery and sacrifice while fighting abroad. Others are drawn to the strategy, intrigue and politics of war. I am more interested in the human element. Nothing reveals the full range of human capacity and behaviour quite like dropping ordinary people into the extraordinary circumstances of conflict and combat. It reveals to us the very best and the very worst of what we can do to and for each other.

Tomorrow We Escape is: the true story of a soldier in the Royal Australian Engineers named Ian Busst. Ian saw action in several battles of the North Africa Campaign in World War II before being taken prisoner outside Tobruk. He would be interned in several POW camps in Italy before escaping a work camp in northern Italy. He walked 650 kilometres south along the Apennine mountain range over three months before being recaptured near Cassino, a day's march from Allied lines. After being sent back to a work camp in Munich, he mounted two more escape attempts, the second of which was successful.

The future of books: is safe so long as people continue to read.

Ian Busst is: a sprightly 96-year-old, with a wonderful sense of humour, a relentless sense of optimism and an incredible story to tell.

Tomorrow We Escape is published by Viking. RRP $29.99.