When this book came to me, I was firstly surprised at its incredibly good condition, for a book published in 1969 and consequently over 40 years old.
The second surprise came when I realised that it was not just a book about difficulties in going about your normal business in rural Australia's wet season, as the first couple of chapters suggest - its main theme is the Royal Family.
So it's highly topical now, as most of the UK is celebrating the Queen's Jubilee, and perhaps they may also be doing this in Australia (although I rather doubt it).
I will try to avoid spoilers in this post, since, as it's such a great book, someone may be moved to read it. What I will say is that the reader becomes aware, around about chapter four, that the book's other theme is going to be the main part of the narrative. And what a theme!
Reading it now, in the 21st century, with our own knowledge of the current Royal Family and our experience of England under both Tory and New Labour government, Shute's prediction of how England turns out under 1950s Socialism is uncannily accurate. Only of course, with the benefit of hindsight, we know it's a long period of Conservative government that has made it this way. I really don't think I can say any more, other than, read it and see what you think.
So happy reading everyone, and if you are celebrating the Jubilee, here or in Australia ('she's our Queen too, you know'), do enjoy yourselves.
If you want to buy anything by Nevil Shute, I have some in my etsy bookshop - but not this one, not yet, anyway. I may want to read it again.