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The Chequer Board

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( 1,566 ratings, 169 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Chequer Board follows John Turner, a young man with a troubled past, who is told he has just one year to live. Determined to make the most of his remaining time, he seeks out three men he encountered during the war: a snobbish British pilot, a young corporal accused of murder, and a black G.I. accused of attempted rape. Through these encounters, Turner explores themes of forgiveness, tolerance, and second chances while confronting his own fear of death.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven general fiction exploring themes of redemption and human connection in a wartime context.

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John Turner, a young man with a chequered past, has been told he has just one year to live. He decides to use his time in search of three very different men he met briefly during the war: an snobbish British pilot, a young corporal accused of murder, and a black G.I.

A classic adventure from the author of A Town Like Alice and On the Beach.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A novel about four different men learning how to live with their past lives, and face their futures.

John Turner, a young man with a chequered past, has been told he has just one year to live. He decides to use his time in search of three very different men he met briefly during the war—an snobbish British pilot, a young corporal accused of murder, and a black G.I. accused of attempted rape. Along the way, Turner learns about forgiveness, tolerance and second chances, and overcomes his fear of death.

The Chequer Board by Nevil Shute is an enlightening story about acceptance and personal growth.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its fluent storytelling and ironic commentary, The Chequer Board showcases Nevil Shute's talent as a novelist. Reviews highlight his genuine sympathy, lively invention, and ability to create characters who resonate deeply with readers. Noted for its strong narrative and insightful exploration of human nature, the novel is regarded as a notable and memorable work.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099530022

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 September 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Nevil Shute was born on 17 January 1899 in Ealing, London. After attending the Dragon School and Shrewsbury School, he studied Engineering Science at Balliol College, Oxford. He worked as an aeronautical engineer and published his first novel, Marazan, in 1926. In 1931 he married Frances Mary Heaton and they went on to have two daughters. During the Second World War he joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve where he worked on developing secret weapons. After the war he continued to write and settled in Australia where he lived until his death on 12 January 1960. His most celebrated novels include Pied Piper (1942), No Highway (1948), A Town Like Alice (1950) and On the Beach (1957).

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