A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute follows Jean Paget, a young Englishwoman who, after surviving being a prisoner during World War II in British Malaya, becomes determined to help a village that showed her kindness by building them a well. Discovering that her wartime friend Joe Harman is alive and living in Australia, she relocates to the Outback, where she uses her inheritance to transform the small town of Willstown into a prosperous community. The book contains themes of war, romance, and entrepreneurship.

Inspirational

Romantic

Heartwarming

Adventurous

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

67,396 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Nevil Shute's A Town Like Alice is widely praised for its compelling narrative and strong character development. Readers applaud its rich depiction of resilience and romance against the backdrop of World War II and post-war reconstruction. However, some critique the pacing and occasional dated cultural perspectives. Overall, it remains a beloved classic exploring hope and humanity.

Who Should Read A Town Like Alice?

A reader who enjoys A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute is likely a fan of historical romance and survival narratives set against a backdrop of World War II. They might appreciate the mix of adventure and romance found in novels like The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough or The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

4.3

67,396 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

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Book Details

Pages

242

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

Romance

•

Historical Fiction

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Classic Fiction

Period