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Summary: I wanted to stay inside the book forever
Review: I actually listened to this book unabridged on tape, read by a very skilled actor who brought all the characters alive with his renditions of the different accents - - - I was captivated by the story utterly and completely. I admire Jean so very much - an original feminist hero. I found the book to be very thought provoking about colonialism and racism, and I wonder how accurately Mr. Shute portrayed the Malayans view of the English and the Japanese. I wondered throughout, if the story could possibly be based on a true story.
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Summary: the story is a sensitive reflection of historical events
Review: Of the collection of Shute's works that I own, there is not one that I have read only one time. Some have been read a dozen times--especially those that tell of England and the English at the beginning of WWII; the simple telling of stories of individuals and families about whom Winston Churchill spoke so eloquently "we shall never give up". Also intriguing are the stories of early aviation, like "No Highway" and "Rainbow and the Rose" that detail the ordeals, sacrifice and experimentation in early aviation. Many of these titles I was only able to find in Australia or England; many can be found on the internet at amazon.co.uk for United Kingdom.
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Summary: Loved the book,story is timeless
Review: I have read A Town Like Alice at least ten or twelve times. I discovered it while in high school and continue to pick it up at the ripe old age of 55.Every time I read it I find something new in it. Courage is timeless,love is timeless. Great writing is timeless.
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Summary: A Classic of 20th Century Literature
Review: It is both pointless and impossible to attempt to describe a book as good as this. Suffice it to say that it will move you in ways you never thought possible. In Jean and Joe, Shute has created two of the finest characters of 20th century lit. Despite being set mainly during WWII, the story is a timeless one, and the reaffirmation of the power of love to triumph over even the most appalling odds is truly inspirational. If you only ever read one book in your life, make it this one.
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Summary: Outstanding!!
Review: This is by far one of the best books that I have ever had the privledge to read. I was totally engrossed from page one and I could not put the book down. I read it because I love to read about Australia. Fortunately, I was blessed with a gripping story - full of a sense of tragic history and a beautiful love story. I would highly recommend this book!!
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Summary: A nice Love - Story
Review: I like the book very much because Jean, although a very young woman, was able to survive the war. She was very helpful too and when you read this book you can imagine what a selfless but confident personality Jean was. The book also shows that you should never give up ifyou are down. Amela Bukvic
Rating:
Summary: A fantastic surprise..
Review: A friend of mine (who's literary taste I have long trusted) sent me this book in the mail with a note saying I must put down whatever I was reading at the moment and read A Town Like Alice. What a wonderful gift she gave me. I never would have found this book in my normal travels, but it was a delicious read. I cared very much for the lead characters and stayed up late the first night to find out what happened to them. I plan to pass this book on to more friends. It's too good to keep to myself.
Rating: 
Summary: Monotonous
Review: Although this book has its interesting points, all value is totally washed away by the drudgery of facts completely insignificant to the story. It drags on about very boring things that have absolutely no relevance (how good she is at making shoes, etc). The romance is quite artifical also, as Joe and Jean knew each other in the war for a very short time. Undying love as shown in the book cannot convincingly develop in this short span. There is no chemistry between these characters; they are in love with the symbolism that the other provides. Painful to read, utter dribble. As I said, its has good points, but by the time the book was over I wanted to shoot myself from boredom. Avoid this book.
Rating:
Summary: MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!
Review: NEVIL SHUTE CAPTURED MY ATTENTION AND MY HEART WITH THIS BOOK. I COULD READ THIS BOOK A HUNDRED TIMES AND STILL BE CONTENT. WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY!
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Summary: One of the best books I have ever read!
Review: I am a reader; I devour books. A Town Like Alice is one of my very favorites. I come back to it time and again, whenever I need to lose myself in the heat of Malaysia or the dust of Australia. This book is so well written that I can feel the stones in the road as Jean marches along with the other women in their "Death March". I can feel the despair she feels when she believes Joe to be dead and her intense joy when she discovers that he is still alive. The story is timeless. My mother-in-law,who was a bride during World War II, first introduced me to this book saying that it was her all time favorite, and even though I came of age in the 70's, the book speaks to me as well. Its message of love's survival in the face of desperate odds gives us all a sense of hope.
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