Anyone else read Neville Shute's The Far Country recently?

[Dacatspjs]

I know when people talk about favourite books on here lots mention A Town Like Alice (and for good reason). I'd read The Far Country years ago and thought it was ok, but re-read it recently and it really resonated with me this time. Its not his nicest work by any means, but the sheer sense of gloom in England, the feeling of the hopelessness of work, and lack of optimism about the future-alongside worries about the NHS and the people who work in it.

I think what made me even more depressed what that this book is set decades ago, and we've seen all this before.

Has anyone else read it recently. Kind of wish I hadn't now...

Not read the book but in a similar vein, whilst bored and browsing for something to watch I saw the Thin Blue Line. I thought I would give it a go I remember it from 30 years ago but thought it was probably of its day. But actually apart from Rowan Atkinson looking so much younger and people smoking it absolutely could have been made yesterday

I re-read it recently. I love that book so much! I used to read it as a child and wonder what it would be like to live in Australia. And then I unexpectedly moved here as an adult.

I told my daughter about the book, so last year she took me to the Windsor hotel, where Jane and Jack stayed whenever they came into Melbourne. We had high tea there, and it felt as though it probably hadn't changed from the '50s.

I don’t think I have but I love his other books so maybe I will.

I love it. I find the sense of warmth and light Jenny finds in Australia, compared with the dark, grey conditions in England at the time, really well-portrayed.

I love Nevil Shute’s books and still have many, which I bought years ago.
The optimism is for a possible better life, taking risks, embracing change.
The solution in the book, was leaving Britain. I do agree that you can say what has changed?

However life didn’t remain in the doldrums in Britain for the entire time between publication of the book and now, it has gone through numerous economic cycles.

It’s a book, The joy of it lies in taking personal risks seeking change and ultimately thriving, and is still very compelling.

Love this! How lovely that the hotel is still there.

I think I loved it when England was feeling less drab. This time I just found it a bit too inevitable and more of the commentary it was supposed to be.