July 2012 - A Town Like Alice

Discussion for the July book club selection was held with a smaller group at the Alexander House on July 30th.  We enjoyed whiskey steaks and salad bar as we discussed this classic title by Nevil Shute.  Overall, the group enjoyed the book.  Ratings for the book mostly ranged between 7 and 8.  Surprisingly, the one who had read the book before and had recommended it had the lowest rating. 

Amazon.com's quick synopsis of the book reads: 

A TOWN LIKE ALICE tells of a young woman who miraculously survived a Japanese "death march" in World War II, and of an Australian soldier, also a prisoner of war, who offered to help her--even at the cost of his life....

Members discussed the likable characters in Jean, Joe and Noel.  We talked about the similarities between Jean and some of the other ordinary people who rise above difficult situations to bring out the best for them and others. 

The only criticisms expressed about the book was the plausibility of some of the circumstances, particularly with Jean in Australia. 

In general, the group agreed that it was a nice novel featuring likeable characters, ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges, the humanity of people even during the ugliness of war and a good old fashioned romance.

Several new books were chosen, including The Tiger's Wife for August.  Vicki is hoping to host the group later in August.  Additional details to follow.