Helpful Score: 5
The first half of this book was gripping - as based in part on an actual event that occurred in Sumatra in WWII, where Dutch female prisoners were marched all around the island for 2-1/2 years. The second half of the book - which primarily takes place in Austrailia - I think would make an excellent discussion for book clubs. I felt it had the perpective of colonial English. I found out later that the author actually was born and breed in England, and didn't move to Austrialia until well into his adult years, so that may not be far off the mark. The perspective of racial relations between the Aussies and Aboriginals was very interesting too. This book was written in the 1950s, and uses some racial slang common at the time - a little difficult to read now, but I guess it's an honest reflection of the time. I do admit it's nice to see a literary example of a strong, independent woman, though I don't always agree with her motivations and methods! This was definetely a book that made me think! I'd recommend it.
Helpful Score: 4
This book was written in 1950, so I had some trepidation in reading it, especially in the beginning when women had decidedly different treatment than men in financial affairs and dealings. Much to my pleasant surprise, this book turned out to be a book celebrating women and their strength, courage and ingenuity! I could hardly put down this saga of a young woman who was marched around an Indonesian island during WWII and then returned to England and forged an amazing life for herself. The suspense built by sending telegrams and letters that took a week to arrive just added to the drama of the novel. In today's world of phones, e-mail and FaceBook, the story would definitely not have been as exciting. A wonderful book, I heartily recommend it.
Helpful Score: 3
The story is about a young Englishwoman, a Japanese prisoner of war, who is helped by an Australian soldier, also a prisoner of war, at the cost of his life. I really liked it. The main part of the book is her story: from her return to England and her life afterward.
Helpful Score: 2
This will probably be in my top 5 for the year. What a wonderful book; I have enjoyed every page and did not want it to end. Hard to believe it was written so long ago but happy it is still around to be enjoyed and treasured. Jean Paget is a true heroine.
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. It's the story of a young English woman who is captured by the Japanese at the start of WWII. No one quite knows what to do with them, so they're marched around Malaysia, dying off in droves in the process.
The second half of the novel is the story of her life after the war, and her journey to Australia and the life she builds there. The look at post-WWII Australia is fascinating.
The second half of the novel is the story of her life after the war, and her journey to Australia and the life she builds there. The look at post-WWII Australia is fascinating.
