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King Rat
- The Asian Saga, Book 4
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins
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King Rat
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Summary
The epic novel of war, savagery, and survival in a Japanese POW camp by the #1 New York Times bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction, James Clavell
Japanese POW camp Changi, Singapore: hell on earth for the soldiers contained within its barbed wire walls. Officers and enlisted men, all prisoners together, yet the old hierarchies and rivalries survive. An American corporal, known as the King, has used his personality and wiles to facilitate trading with guards and locals to get needed food, supplies, even information into the camp. The imprisoned upper-class officers have never had to do things for themselves, and now they are reduced to wearing rags while the King’s clean shirt, gained through guts and moxie, seems like luxury in comparison. In the camp, everything has its price and everything is for sale. But trading is illegal—and the King has made a formidable enemy. Robin Grey, the provost marshal, hates the King and all he represents. Grey, though he grew up modestly, fervently believes in the British class system: everyone should know their place, and he knows the King’s place is at the bottom.
The King does have a friend in Peter Marlowe, who, though wary of the King and himself a product of the British system, finds himself drawn to the charismatic man who just might be the only one who can save them from both the inhumanity of the prison camp but also from themselves. Powerful and engrossing, King Rat artfully weaves the author’s own World War II prison camp experiences into a compelling narrative of survival amidst the grim realities of war and what men can do when pushed to the edge. A taut masterwork of World War II historical fiction by bestselling author James Clavell.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Richard Stillman
- 26-06-17
King rat - bravo
Thoroughly enjoyed this story a great tale exposing the human frailties when survival comes hard.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Roo
- 19-10-21
Outstanding Story of Humanity at its worst and best
Men hate rats for they are so alike. If a human touches a rat it cleans and grooms itself to get the smell of man from it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- chen lev
- 30-04-18
A great noval
Loved it, gives an insight to a world I never thought off. Interesting while educating.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- dan Bassett
- 04-06-20
so good
the whole series is great 👍 ratking the NYC hip hop group named after this book
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ahmed Egeh
- 06-01-19
Great book
Amazing book. James Clavell died to young. Read all his books.
What else can be said.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- warwick manning
- 25-08-20
Moving and Inspiring
Overall this book is truly a piece of history. I think at times the exact direction the narrative is headed is uncertain. However in the end this is reflected in the minds of the POWs and their own uncertainty. This book doesn't preach and it isn't overly pessimistic. Just true to life with its ups and downs. I was left with a sense of hope that the human spirit can endure so much, if only we can remember to treat out fellow man with the dignity we would wish upon ourselves. Self preservation is important but don't forget to preserve the good within your own soul.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ziri
- 21-09-20
master piece
just read it ! a wonderful story of human savagery, endurance and survival, This Audio book rates as one the most astonishing books I have ever read
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Simon T
- 21-08-21
TRULY exceptional book....
I am enjoying all of Clavell's Asian saga, one after the other....but THIS one....this one has had a profound effect on me. It is an incredible look at humanity. How the strong survive and the weak are trampled on or devoured by circumstances. In a truly unimaginable place and time... it has made me think of my Grandfather's generation who fought this terrible war ... How did anyone ever return to normal after such experiences? This is an INCREDIBLE story and I was captivated by every second of it... It is very moving in places and horrifying in others.... I hope you enjoy it as much I have ...it will leave its mark on you...of THAT I am very sure...
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Manda N
- 25-05-16
Ranks amongst the best classic historical novels.
If you could sum up King Rat in three words, what would they be?
This is about survival, but the strength of the human spirit surviving horrific conditions. The book focuses on relationships rather than gruesome horrors of war. There are comedic moments within the story and no doubt Clavell brought in elements of his own changi experiences during the war.
What other book might you compare King Rat to, and why?
It's pretty unique, it's certainly no Tenko.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
I love the aside scenes focussing on the women left behind. The effects of separation and not knowing how your loved ones are or whether they are alive, that was particularly poignant.
Any additional comments?
This is the first in clavells Asian series if read, as I am doing, in order of publication. A great read.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Villa Girl
- 22-02-20
Not as good as the hype
Firstly, the narrator is fantastic and absolutely makes this audiobook. Well done Sir!
The actual story is a bit disjointed and for me personally it made it hard to fully invest in the process of listening. The last third of the book was actually my favourite.
Overall I’m glad I persevered but I won’t be recommending this to anyone.
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