South by Java Head cover art

South by Java Head

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South by Java Head

By: Alistair MacLean
Narrated by: Jonathan Oliver
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About this listen

The 50th anniversary edition of this classic World War 2 adventure set in south-east Asia.

February, 1942: Singapore lies burning and shattered, defenceless before the conquering hordes of the Japanese Army.

The last boat escapes out of the harbour into the South China Sea, and on board are a desperate group of strangers, each with a secret to guard, each willing to kill to keep that secret safe.

Dawn sees them far out to sea but with the first murderous dive bombers already aimed at their ship. Thus begins a nightmare succession of disasters wrought by the hell-bent Japanese, the unrelenting tropical sun and, ultimately, by the survivors themselves, as they head south by Java Head.

©1958 Alistair MacLean (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers 20th Century Action & Adventure Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction War & Military Singapore Military China

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All stars
Most relevant
One of my favourites, brilliantly narrated. Some language which feels incredibly uncomfortable in 2024, but a product of its time.

An absolute classic

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Another masterpiece from Alistair McLean. gripping WW2 story, such a great storyteller, for me someone I listen to over and over again

gripping

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Both the story and the narration extremely gripping. The twists and turns in the plot keep you fully engaged.

Alistair Maclean at his best

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A convoluted, twisting tale of the war in Japan and the Far East. It would perhaps be more interesting to anyone who knows the geography of the area, as this plays a big part in the story.

Not one of his best.

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