A Town Like Alice

By: Nevil Shute

Narrated by: Robin Bailey

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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. While on the march, the group run 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 and together they begin to dream of surmounting the past and transforming his one-horse outback town into a thriving community like Alice Springs...

©1989 The Trustees of the Estate of the Late Nevil Shute Norway (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Nostalgia

Would you consider the audio edition of A Town Like Alice to be better than the print version?

I don't think in terms of comparing print to audible.

What did you like best about this story?

Well written, with all the elements, drama, history, sorrow, love and hope.

What about Robin Bailey’s performance did you like?

Did an excellent job with accents. His stuffy London lawyer voice was wonderful.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I did cry at moments.

Any additional comments?

When I read this book at 13 I had insufficient experience and perspective to enjoy it any more than any other good story. As a mature adult it was quite different and I felt emotionally very connected. I chose this book for Book Club, it's a timeless classic.

Unexpected Delight

A friend gave me A Town Like Alice with a strong recommendation to read it. I began to listen after finishing The Help and at first I struggled with the accent of Mr. Bailey, but I was instantly drawn into the story.

I loved learning about both a time and place that I knew so little of. I loved the heroine of the story, Jean. The first part of the book which takes place mainly during the war in Malaya is told in such a matter of fact manner that it contributes to the sense of hardship and the ways in which humanity can shine through. I loved the elements of philanthropy in the book -- and the way that Jean created strong bonds with the people in her life. I was a total fan of the romance between Jean and Joe, and even felt the tenderness between she and the solicitor.

I didn't want this book to end -- and am so excited to read more of Mr. Shute's work. Great book!

starts amazing ends just ok

the beginning is great but then it slowed to a snail's pace and I got bored

Love this story

I read this book years ago, but listening to it just now was just as special. I remembered Joe Harmon very well, but had completely forgotten from whose perspective the story was told. When I got to the part where Jean tells Neville, her solicitor that she’s going to marry - and he comes to the realization that he’s been in love with her the whole time, it brought tears to my eyes.

There are sad parts, brutal parts and very happy parts too. While the book portrays the mores of the 50’s it’s still a treasure.

Enchanting and timeless

It is really a classic it transported me into its story totally I read it many years ago and I am so glad to find it again.

Enjoyed This!

I sometimes listen to audiobooks while I'm working, and usually at some point get distracted from the story and lose the thread. But this story was so engrossing and we'll delivered, that I couldn't stop listening to it. Great story and delivery!

Love story on multiple levels

Sweeping tale of a strong, determined woman and two men who love her, one young and one old, from completely different worlds. I enjoyed the portrayal of the time (WWII and years following), the settings (Malaya, England, and Australia), and the deepening relationship between Jean and Noel, the solicitor in England who oversees her trust and also narrates the story.

This story and narration was fantastic!!!

Hope someone will make a mini series of this. The 1958 movie doesn’t do it justice

great story!

I discovered Nevil Shute in my late teens and was thrilled to see this old favorite finally available with Audible. As with many Nevil Shute books, it starts off slowly but then becomes completely engrossing. Fascinating picture of life in Malaya and Australia in the '40s and early '50s, engaging characters. Excellent narration, perfect for the story. Am hoping that other Shute favorites will be added soon - Pied Piper, No Highway, Trustee from the Toolroom, Pastoral, In the Wet.

Powerful & Inspiring!

I had this book in my library for so long, I forgot what it was about. So I looked up some reviews and a lady posted one saying, it was as good as her favorite book, Mrs. Mike. This was a sign for sure! Mrs. Mike changed my life when I was 14 years old...A Town Like Alice changed my life at 25.

This book turned my world upside down, tore my heart apart, made me feel anxious and uncomfortable. Then it turned my eyes to see something so much more beautiful than I could imagine....true love, courage, hope and selflessness. It's a story of a woman that even though she was faced with extreme adversity, or was surrounded by it, she didn't shy away from doing what she could to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

What a powerful book, matched perfectly with talented narrators.