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A Town Like Alice
(Vintage Classics Shute Series)
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Check link for latest rating. ( 61,109 ratings, 4,768 reviews)
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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?
Jean Paget is just twenty years old and working in Malaya when the Japanese invasion begins. When she is captured she joins a group of other European women and children whom the Japanese force to march for miles through the jungle - an experience that leads to the deaths of many.
'Probably more people have shed tears over the last page of A Town Like Alice than about any other novel in the English language... remarkable' John Ezard, Guardian
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Description
Probably more people have shed tears over the last page of A Town Like Alice than about any other novel in the English language... remarkable - John Ezard, Guardian
Probably more people have shed tears over the last page of A Town Like Alice than about any other novel in the English language... remarkable - Guardian
Jean Paget is just twenty years old and working in Malaya when the Japanese invasion begins.
When she is captured, she joins a group of other European women and children whom the Japanese force to march for miles through the jungle - an experience that leads to the deaths of many.
Due to her courageous spirit and ability to speak Malay, Jean takes on the role of leader of the sorry gaggle of prisoners, and many end up owing their lives to her indomitable spirit. While on the march, the group runs into some Australian prisoners, one of whom, Joe Harman, helps them steal some food and is horrifically punished by the Japanese as a result.
After the war, Jean tracks Joe down in Australia. Together, they begin to dream of surmounting the past and transforming his one-horse outback town into a thriving community like Alice Springs...
With an introduction by Eric Lomax, author of The Railway Man
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?
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute is praised for its direct and simply told narrative that reflects the honest virtues of its era. The story is described as romantic and inspirational, highlighting the protagonist Jean's determination and the beautiful love she eventually discovers. It's regarded as a compelling tale of romance and resilience under pressure, with elements of torture and human fortitude that render it both heart-rending and gripping.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780099530268
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 September 2009
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage Classics
Contributors:
- Introduction by Eric Lomax
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 24.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 261g
Pages: 368
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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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