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  • A Town Like Alice

  • By: Nevil Shute
  • Narrated by: Robin Bailey
  • Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,540 ratings)
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A Town Like Alice cover art

A Town Like Alice

By: Nevil Shute
Narrated by: Robin Bailey
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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.

What listeners say about A Town Like Alice

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A very different style but a nice change

I had to accept the irritating bits as part of the style but a window on the Aussie outback lifestyle which I have to assume is somewhat accurate. Don’t expect too much excitement and you’ll be ok with this!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A joy

I bought this because it is my grandfather's favourite book, and so wasn't necessarily expecting much. It was, however, just glorious and I heartily recommend it to anyone! It is a bit dated in places but in a way that makes it all the more charming. The performance is exquisite too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

loved it

what a great story, recommended by a friend. Very old-fashioned in its views on women and native people, but of its time. beautifully told and a very easy listen

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Willstown

beautifully read and produced
loved every second of it
a positive joy
I could listen again and again

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love in Alice

I wish I could have given the book 10 stars all round. I sobbed in places, I know the story but have never read the book before but it's lovely to make your own pictures., thank you Mr Shute.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Superb

Such a good story, so well narrated in all the different accents
Remembered the 80’s TV series so well which I loved and it brought back memories of that. Felt as if I knew all the characters well. Highly recommended


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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A brilliantly crafted story

I have never read this book and, to quote Joe, 'oh my goodness' I so wish I had. It is a proper story, beautifully crafted, deftly written and a perfect mix of adventure and romance. To my surprise, I was hooked. As others have noted, the narrator is perfect. One of the best Audible books in my library.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous!

I read this book as a teenager and loved it then. I've re-read it again and again, so much so I can recite the last page almost by heart! I was worried that the narration would not fit with my own internal narrator but it was perfect, absolutely perfect.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Engrossing

The first chapter was rather slow and long winded for me and I dithered wether to continue. However once we start with Jeans story my attention was captured. Yes the language and descriptions seem old fashioned but it’s of it’s time. No different to an Austen or a Dickens. Again at first I thought the narrator might irritate me with his upper middle class accent, but again it suited the story perfectly, and I had a picture of Noel in my mind. Although harrowing in parts, the author doesn’t dwell on the facts. It really is a feel good story in the end. One of the best parts about this book for me is that it moves along at a good pace. I really, really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Classic story.

I have loved this book for years. Films don't do justice and forget the building of the town! Jean starts the building of the town that's like Alice (springs). The jungle walk was just a fraction of the story. The audio book is very easy listening and word for word to the book. I will listen tol this many times.

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