Title: The Far Country
Author: Nevil Shute
First published January 1, 1952
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780099530039 (ISBN10: 0099530031)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
A heartwarming tale of love and adventure, The Far Country by Nevil Shute takes you on a journey to the vast and beautiful Australian outback. Jennifer, a young English woman, sets out to explore the wonders of the land Down Under and discovers more than she ever imagined.
Amidst the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, she meets Carl, a brave Czech doctor who has found refuge in this distant place. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Jennifer and Carl find themselves drawn together in a bond that is as unexpected as it is powerful.
But when fate intervenes and Jennifer is forced to return to England, their relationship is put to the test. Will their love survive the distance and the challenges that lie ahead?
Find out in this captivating novel that will take you on a journey of love, loss, and hope.
About the Author
Nevil Shute Norway, a well-known British writer and successful aeronautical engineer, had an interesting approach to balancing his two professions. To avoid any unwanted publicity from his novels, he opted for the pen name Nevil Shute while pursuing his writing career.
However, he used his full name in his engineering career.
Towards the end of his life, he spent a decade living in Australia.
Editoral Review
Nevil Shute’s 1952 novel, The Far Country, takes readers on a journey through Australia’s vast landscape and explores themes of love, family, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Shute, a prolific British author and aeronautical engineer, is known for his compelling stories of ordinary people dealing with extraordinary circumstances.
The Far Country is no exception, as it is a heart-wrenching tale of a young woman’s struggle to keep her family together and maintain their farm in the rugged wilderness of Western Australia. Set in the aftermath of World War II, The Far Country centers around Jennifer Morton, a determined and resourceful young woman who inherits her father’s vast sheep station.
Jennifer’s life is turned upside down when her fiancé, a pilot, is killed in a plane crash, and she is left to manage the station on her own. With the help of her brother and the neighboring farmers, Jennifer battles drought, bushfires, and a ruthless businessman who wants to buy her land.
Her story is one of resilience and courage, as she fights to protect her family and preserve the legacy of her father’s farm. Shute’s writing style is crisp and concise, with vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and nuanced portrayals of the characters.
He brings to life the harsh conditions of life on a sheep station, where survival depends on hard work, determination, and a deep connection to the land. The story moves at a brisk pace, with several plot twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
One of the strengths of The Far Country is its portrayal of women characters who are strong-willed and independent. Jennifer is a refreshing departure from the stereotypical female characters in mid-20th century literature, who were often portrayed as submissive and passive.
She is both vulnerable and resilient, with a fierce determination to succeed against all odds. Her relationship with her brother David is also noteworthy, as it is a rare example of a positive sibling bond in literature.
However, the novel has some flaws, particularly in its treatment of the Indigenous people of Australia. While Shute’s descriptions of the landscape and wildlife are vivid and detailed, his portrayal of the Aboriginal people is stereotypical and patronizing.
They are relegated to the background, with no agency or voice of their own, and are often portrayed as simple-minded and subservient to the white settlers. Overall, The Far Country is a compelling story that offers a window into the lives of the settlers who carved out a living in the harsh wilderness of Western Australia.
It is a poignant reminder of the resilience and fortitude of the human spirit, and a testament to the power of hope and love in the face of adversity. While it has some flaws, particularly in its portrayal of Indigenous people, it is a valuable contribution to Australian literature and a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
Rating: 4/5 stars. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly stories set in Australia.
It is also suitable for anyone who appreciates compelling stories of human struggle and endurance.
