A Town Like Alice

I read A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute for book club. It is about a young English woman named Jean who works in Malay and becomes a prisoner of war. Along with other women and children, she is part of a Japanese death march all across the country during World War II. This book tells of what happens to her during the death march as well as after she survives.

This book was the quickest read of the books I've read lately. It involved me a lot more, even though parts of it still seemed to throw in unnecessary details or accounts. I liked the historical aspect of it even though it wasn't based on completely accurate historical events. It was a nice story that really gave a glimpse into the life of a prisoner of war. It was also a bit of a chick flick at times, which I enjoyed.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Enchantment

A friend recommended Enchantment by Orson Scott Card and lent me the book. Enchantment is the story of Ivan, who spends his childhood in Russia but then moves to America with his parents. As a child in Russia, he came across a mysterious woman sleeping on a pedestal in the woods near a relative's home. Years later, he feels drawn to go back and see if that woman is still there. The book tells the story of what happens as he becomes part of her 9th century world.

I liked this book. It was kind of slow for me at the beginning, but once I got into it, I was very anxious to see what would happen by the end. It was a unique story, unlike other books I've read. The characters were very likable and believable. It was also an interesting read because there was some references to Russian folk tales as well as a period in history I didn't know much about.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)