It's rare for me to give a book five stars, but this book is an absolute gem. The prose is lovely without being overdone, the plot is engrossing, and the characters were finely drawn. I can't wait to read every book Nevil Shute ever wrote, and will consider it an honor to do so. ( )

What a beautifully written novel inspired in part by a real event during the Japanese occupation of Sumatra during World War II (which I learned in the Author’s Note at the end)! The story itself was compelling — I barely took a break all of New Year’s Day as I devoured it. The central characters were well drawn. Given this novel was published in 1950, I was surprised and pleased that the female protagonist, Jean Paget, was portrayed as a strong, competent, savvy, visionary woman, who endured and rose above the deplorable conditions of her captivity during WWII in Malaysia and whose later unexpected inherited wealth comes full circle from Australia to Scotland and England back to Australia. The story is told from the perspective of Noel Strachan, one of the trustees of the trust for Miss Paget’s benefit, a London solicitor, who is also an interesting character. Thrilled to have started my 2023 reading journey on this high note. ( )

"Brave people in strange scenes"
This book inspired me to be brave! If Jean can do it, I can do it. ( )

The movie is excellent as well. This book is based on a true story. ( )

I had never heard of the author and assumed the book was new. The book was new, the story wasn’t new it first came out in 1950. Predictable to a degree but so well told it was a pleasure to read such wonderful writing.
A woman who is part of a group of women and children who are first prisoners and then cast adrift in Malaya during WWII. The woman comes into some money and wants to make some changes.
In addition to taking place in Malaya, it also takes place in London, and NE Australia.
Excellent book. ( )