Review: A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

A Town Like Alice, by Nevil Shute

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This is an amazing tale based on the true story of a group of women and children captured by the Japanese in Sumatra in 1942. Although written in 1950 the book stands the test of time as it is such a gripping and exceptional story to read.

The book is essentially a love story, covering different aspects of love. It is also really in three parts, one set in Malaysia where we meet Jean Paget, a mousy office girl, who with her knowledge of the Malay language and growing strength of character, develops to become the strong and courageous leader who helps the women and children to survive through the jungle.

After a period in London and then a remarkable return to Malaya, Jean sets off for the Outback to find the Australian whom she met during the war and who had helped her group, putting his own life in peril. This aspect of the love story has old fashioned but rather lovely views of romance. We also liked the gentle, decent character of the narrator. In this latter part of the book we see the development of Jean as an entrepreneur using her skills and unexpected legacy to benefit the community of Willstown.

The book challenges our views on racism, towards the Aborigines as well as the Japanese, and we reflected that although the book reflects views of the time, attitudes have not significantly moved forward.

This review is by The Borrowers Book Group at Kesgrave Library.