Hannah answers “Was Nevil Shute, author of 'A Town like...”

Lina asked this question about A Town Like Alice:

Was Nevil Shute, author of 'A Town like Alice' a racist, or was he just recording the attitudes of the time? I did not enjoy reading this book because of the disrespectful attitude towards the aborigines. There was not one positive thing mentioned about them as far as I could see, but so much glorification of the heroine and her man. Not my cup of tea.

Hannah I’m currently re-reading this after a gap of many years and the casually racist language and attitudes are uncomfortable for me. I have no frame of re…moreI’m currently re-reading this after a gap of many years and the casually racist language and attitudes are uncomfortable for me. I have no frame of reference as to whether the author was himself racist but he certainly reflected a time I am glad is past.(less)

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A Town Like Alice

by Nevil Shute

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