Neville Shute

[mikey4444]

Shute has been one of my favourite authors for over 40 years. I think his books like "On the Beach" and "A Town like Alice" are almost perfect. He was able to tell a good story, very clearly and very well ( Hilary Mantell could learn a lot from Shute ! )

I come across one of his lesser-known books in a charity shop 2 weeks ago, and finished it last night....."Chequer Board" and I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. there are now only 2 of his books left that I have never read and hopefully I will find them soon.

[grumpy01]

Quiz question? With which countries name would you associate Neville Shute?

[Old_Geezer]

Interesting coincidence. Been having a sort out and only recently came across an anthology given to me by my now late grandmother. Christmas present I think. It includes Alice and Chequerboard, although I confess I only recall reading Alice. I'm going to add it to the mile high pile of books I'm hoping to get around to reading. Never seem to find the time these days. PCs and the Internet have a lot to answer for.

[Tilly2]

Norway.

[grumpy01]

Well done Tilly2

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Grumpy. :-)

[Peter Pedant]

st kitts nevis and anguilla ....

[mikey4444]

OG...."PCs and the Internet have a lot to answer for"

Never a truer word spoken !

[Tilly2]

I hope this doesn't sound supercilious but I set aside some time each day to read my book. I always have a book to be read and I make sure that I switch off the PC and sit and read something stimulating.
My reading time is usually in the afternoon, after all the bits and bobs have been done. It's my little pleasure in life.

[mikey4444]

Tilly....good plan !

I aspire to do that as well, although it doesn't always work. If do try to read in the afternoon, sitting in an armchair. But more often than not, I just fall asleep !

[Tilly2]

That's because you've expended all your energy on here, Mikey.

Ease up, maybe?

[Hopkirk]

My favourite author too Mikey.

As a youngster I read all his books, and some I re-read in later life.

Have you read his autobiography, Slide Rule?

[Cloverjo]

I've never read a Neville Shute book, but just seeing the name instantly takes me back to the library I used to go to as a child. I don't know why, maybe I remember the book called A Town Like Alice, and I loved Alice in Wonderland at the time - still do. I must read some Shute books. Any recommendations for the first one to go for?

[Old_Geezer]

"But more often than not, I just fall asleep !"
I have exactly the same problem when I take reading material to be with me.

[mikey4444]

Cloverjo...I would start with "On the Beach" and then " A Town Like Alice"

"Alice" is a bit of a slow starter. Shute was very fond of the use of the flashback, and its a while until we get to the crux of the story ( women and children caught up in the Japanese invasion of south asia)

Another one to look out for is "No Highway"

I am sure you are aware of this site, but just in case !

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/

The best source for info on books and writers I know of.

Hoppy....I trying to find a second hand copy of "Slide Rule" !

[mikey4444]

Tilly...ease up ?......never !

[Hopkirk]

Did you know that Neville Norway was a senior engineer on the R100 airship, working with the designer, Barnes Wallis?

He did a lot more besides, but I'll let you read Slide Rule to find out.

[mikey4444]

Thanks Hoppy...its on my to-do list !

[BlueScorpion]

Funnily enough The Chequer Board was the first Nevil Shute I read. I have just finished 'Beyond The Black Stump' which I think must be one of his last.

He is definitely one of my favourite authors, If I had to pick one of his books above all others it would either be "A Town Like Alice" or "In The Wet"

[mikey4444]

Bluescorpian.....its very difficult to choose a favour Shute. One that many might not have read is "The Trustee from the Tool Room"

By the way, the Postman has just delivered a secondhand copy of "Pied Piper"

[hellywelly4]

I haven't read his books, but loved the films On the Beach and A Town Like Alice.