Discussion Questions for A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute Galesburg Public Library Tuesday Book Club November 2006
1. Did you like the book? If so, what was your favorite part of the book?
2. If not, why not?
3. While talking to the narrator, Jean says:
People who spent the war in prison camps have written a lot of books about what a bad time they had....They don’t know what it was like, not being in a camp.
This comment really struck me. Any thoughts about this passage?
4. Did any thing that happened or was said in the book stick with you?
5. When Joe gets caught stealing the chickens, the Japanese soldier who was given a chicken by Jean is punished by the Japanese for “participating” in the crime. When he gets sick later, as the only guard for the women and children, the women nurse him. What do you think about this turn of events?
6. The author uses crucifixion as a plot device. What did you think about this?
7. What do you think about Noel’s attitude toward Jean?
8. Any comments about the way the book ended?
9. In 1998, Random House’s Modern Library published two lists of 100 Best Novels. The list voted on by readers included A Town Like Alice at number 17. What do you think about that? Would you vote to include A Town Like Alice on your personal list of best novels?
10. Has anyone here ever been to Malaya or Australia? Tell us about your experiences.
11. Are there any questions you would like to ask?
Posts
Hi! I'm the librarian at the Galesburg Public Library (in Illinois) who posted the questions. I'm glad you find them helpful. Good luck with your discussion - it's a wonderful book!
ReplyDelete- Jane Easterly
I like that you posted the questions early. I love to read, but I probably don't do enough critical thinking while doing so anymore, so it will help to have a guide. Now I just need to get the book.
ReplyDeleteI am about halfway through the book and I just have to say this now... Noel is driving me crazy with Joe sitting there in his office in England and not telling him where Jean is! Aaargh! (I guess it wouldn't make much of a story if he did, but I'm still frustrated)
ReplyDeleteJust discovered this blog while searching for discussion questions for A Town Like Alice. My book club has read many of these same books, including Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (!!) and given our similar interests, I'd like to make a recommendation to your club: Late Homecomer by Kao Kalia Yang.
ReplyDelete