A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

The story is written from the perspective of the solicitor who manages the inheritance of Jean Paget.  He writes her story in excerpts telling us about her experiences in Malaysia during the Second World War, force to walk from town to town  with a group of women and children, by the Japanese who did not want to put them into a camp.  While walking they meet up with two Australian men, who horrified at the state of the women and children supply then with fresh meat and medicines, illicitly gained from their Japanese captors.  The consequence of which is that Joe is crucified.   Jean believes him dead - until many years after the war she hears that he survives.

The second half of the book deals with her search for him, and her wish to build 'A town like Alice' in the outback where Joe's station is.  It is interesting and slightly shocking to read a story where casual racial apartheid is acceptable, where woman 'know there place'.  Jean was not thought to be sufficiently capable to manage her inheritance until she reaches the age of 35!  By which time she would be married and therefore her husband would be able to help her!  The last part of the books is definitely a paean to capitalist entrepreneurship!

We all enjoyed the book - some of us having gone on to buy others of Nevil Shutes novels, which we are enjoying as much.
Words used to describe it:  cracking solid storytelling, Oh my word!, spiffing yarn, I loved it, good first half.

Marks, between 7 - 9

I would like to finish this review with a big thank you to Albert the butler for superb food and butlering - I wish we could all have a man who does just like him! And of course honourable mention to the delicious cake and hostess with the butler - fab Thank you Rona.

 

Next book

Before I go to Sleep by S J Watson

Next meeting

Wednesday 21 March

at

53 Finlay Street