The Far Country by Nevil Shute - 4 stars

[Joy D]

The Far Country by Nevil Shute - 4* - My Review

Jennifer Morton is living in England in 1950. She and her family are still experiencing the difficult conditions that occurred after WWII. Carl Zlinter is a displaced person, who has emigrated from Czechoslovakia to rural Victoria, Australia, where he must work for two years in a lumber camp in exchange for his passage. He is not allowed to practice medicine, though there is an immense need for doctors in the remote countryside. When Jennifer visits her relatives in Australia, the two meet, confront a crisis together, develop a relationship, and encounter obstacles to remaining together.

The descriptions of the Australian “far country” are beautifully rendered. There is a stark contrast between life in England and life in Australia. England is still recovering from the war, while Australia has become a prosperous land of opportunity. However, the “new Australians” are unable to contribute in their fields of expertise. This is shown via a talented artist and the doctor working in the lumber camps. The law states that the doctor must attend three years of training in Australia, and, of course, a displaced person is unlikely to be able to afford such retraining.

At the heart of this story is a romance, but it is not syrupy or melodramatic. It contains social commentary, but not in an overpowering manner. There is a rather long lead-in to the main thrust of the storyline, but once it reaches Australia, it shines. The main characters are likeable and believable. It is always a compliment to say I wish it were longer.