A Town Like Alice

by Nevil Shute
A Town Like Alice cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 11113
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9781409087304
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-01-26
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

A Town Like Alice is a powerful story of survival and hope. Jean Paget, a young woman working in Malaya during World War II, is captured by the Japanese and forced to endure a brutal march through the jungle. Her courage and leadership save many lives, including those of Australian prisoners she meets along the way. After the war, Jean tracks down one of these prisoners, Joe Harman, and together they dream of transforming his small outback town into a thriving community. The novel explores themes of resilience, love, and community, set against the backdrop of post-war Australia. With an introduction by Eric Lomax, author of The Railway Man, this book is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and build a better future.

Reviews
Reading Sheffield · 2021-06-30
engaging 3.50

The reviewer found the way Shute established his characters engaging and reader-friendly. However, they also noted some areas where the story could have been more developed.

The reviewer appreciates how Shute establishes his characters clearly and sets out a few characteristics for each, making them engaging and reader-friendly. The story is compelling, but there are areas where the reviewer feels the narrative could have been more developed. The setting and historical context add layers to the story, making it a rich and enjoyable experience. The reviewer finds the book to be a heart-rending story of strength in adversity, celebrating the power of love.

Quick quotes

    I found the way Shute established his characters clearly and set out a few characteristics for each engaging and reader-friendly.

    The story is compelling, but there are areas where the narrative could have been more developed.

    The setting and historical context add layers to the story, making it a rich and enjoyable experience.

Karissa Reads Books · Karissa · 2018-07-27
enjoyable 4.50

The main character, Jean, is described as tough, sympathetic, and smart, making the book extremely readable. The reviewer finds her very likeable despite some unrealistic traits.

Karissa absolutely loves the main character, Jean. She's tough, sympathetic, and smart, which makes her very likeable despite some unrealistic traits. The book is extremely readable and keeps you engaged throughout. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Jean's character and the way the story unfolds, making it a compelling read. The setting and the historical context add layers to the narrative, making it a rich and enjoyable experience.

Quick quotes

    The book is extremely readable and the main character, Jean, is very likeable.

    She's tough and sympathetic and smart, without seeming realistic.

    The way the story unfolds keeps you engaged throughout.

Novel Insights · 2009-09-21
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is described as a real 'story' that combines adventure and a morality tale about personal strength and survival. The reviewer appreciates the woman's desire to create something meaningful.

The reviewer sees this book as a real 'story' that blends adventure with a deep morality tale. It's about personal strength, survival, and the desire to create something meaningful. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on resilience and the human spirit. The setting and characters add depth to the story, making it a memorable read. The reviewer finds the themes of the book to be both timeless and relevant.

Quick quotes

    A Town Like Alice is a real 'story'.

    It's sort of an adventure part morality tale about personal strength, survival and a woman's desire to create something.

    The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.

Appears in Lists