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.

Could not quit listening

This was my first audiobook (book-on-tape in those days); I asked Audible to provide it and was pleased to see it recently appear. Thanks, Audible!

On re-listening, it was even better than the first time. It is TERRIFIC. The story is spell-binding, somewhat historical and absolutely riveting. The narrator is simply superb. I can't imagine anyone from pre-teen age onward who would not be spellbound by the combination of narration plus superb writing plus story.

MOST highly recommended.

Continental adventure worth the ride

This is the second book that I have listened to by Nevil Shute, and it inspired me, once again to follow his work. Shute’s stories are both entertaining and informative; simple and grand at the same time. It is so easy to picture the narrative and dialogue, excellently narrated by Robin Bailey. This story, written in the 1950’s, would have been the “Indiana Jones and How the West Was Won” type of story for the time. It is about personal struggle, character, adventure, and romance across continents and countries that included, England, Malaya and Australia during WWII. Great storytelling!

An Adventure and Love Story!

What a great story -- with an equally great narrator! If you need lots of fast paced action to keep your attention, this book may not be your cup of tea; but if you are a patient listener (Robin Bailey's voice is mesmerizing) who likes to see a good story unfold gracefully, you will love this book. It starts in England, moves with the war to Malaya and Singapore and then climaxes in the vast hinterlands of Australia. The three major characters, each of whom are well defined and extremely likable; experience believable although frightful circumstances in their lives. The author has crafted a story ending that you won't discern until the very last chapter. In my view, a great book. . . but I am a patient listener!

Fascinating Story of Survival, Strength & Purpose

This book was written in 1950, five years before I was born, and it's absolutely amazing. The narration is so good. The story begins in 1935 when Douglas McFadden contacts his solicitor (lawyer) to redraft his will. His solicitor, Noel Strachan, whose law office is in London goes to visit Mr. McFadden in Ayr, Scotland to redraft the will according to his wishes. Time passes, WWII begins, and Douglas McFadden dies. Noel Strachan is charged with finding his heir. The story that unfolds over the years following, in the countries of Great Britain, Malaya, and Australia is heartbreaking, courageous, and triumphant. I can't believe I had never heard of this book before. I am so glad I found it!

Did you know there was a film?

In the 80's I was living on Guam where we got in Australian and New Zealand VCR tapes. The New Zealand ones were generally gloomy which I find surprising having since spent some time there. The Australian ones were generally great fun. My favorite was the made for TV mini series based on this book that I did not know existed until I stumbled across it in the Audible sale. I managed to find the series as a rental on tape once in this country but have since looked for it as a DVD with no success. If you come across it and if you liked this book, by all means watch it. It was amazingly close to the book and the cinematography was outstanding!

Just Beautiful

A very moving story of love and war and the trials people go through that we hope we never know.

Love, love, love

Would you listen to A Town Like Alice again? Why?

You get so wrapped up in the story because you care so much about what's going to happen to the characters. You can almost feel yourself there with them, in that time, it's written that well.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Town Like Alice?

There's one memorable moment that really stands out for me but I don't want to ruin it for others! I went back reader reviews when i chose this book, I really didn't read the detail of what the book was about. I had no expectations and was open to a totally different story that what I would normally read. I got what I expected and so much more. Such a beautiful story and so well read.

What about Robin Bailey’s performance did you like?

He doesn't an excellent job of making you feel the characters. I can imagine their mannerisms, personalities, etc. through his reading of them.

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

Yes, but again I can't share it. Don't want to ruin that moment for others.

Another great book by Nevil Shute

Nevil Shute may not be the best-known authour but his books are always highly entertaining.

two times

I have finished listening to A Town Like Alice for the second time in less than one year. It takes a few minutes to get used to the British and Australian accent but the new words are explained very well. I will probably listen to it again next Spring Break.

Darn! It's over!

I keep returning to this story ... enjoying it .. and I keep being disappointed when it is done.