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King Rat
- The Asian Saga, Book 4
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins
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King Rat
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Summary
The epic novel of war, savagery, and survival in a Japanese POW camp by the #1 New York Times bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction, James Clavell
Japanese POW camp Changi, Singapore: hell on earth for the soldiers contained within its barbed wire walls. Officers and enlisted men, all prisoners together, yet the old hierarchies and rivalries survive. An American corporal, known as the King, has used his personality and wiles to facilitate trading with guards and locals to get needed food, supplies, even information into the camp. The imprisoned upper-class officers have never had to do things for themselves, and now they are reduced to wearing rags while the King’s clean shirt, gained through guts and moxie, seems like luxury in comparison. In the camp, everything has its price and everything is for sale. But trading is illegal—and the King has made a formidable enemy. Robin Grey, the provost marshal, hates the King and all he represents. Grey, though he grew up modestly, fervently believes in the British class system: everyone should know their place, and he knows the King’s place is at the bottom.
The King does have a friend in Peter Marlowe, who, though wary of the King and himself a product of the British system, finds himself drawn to the charismatic man who just might be the only one who can save them from both the inhumanity of the prison camp but also from themselves. Powerful and engrossing, King Rat artfully weaves the author’s own World War II prison camp experiences into a compelling narrative of survival amidst the grim realities of war and what men can do when pushed to the edge. A taut masterwork of World War II historical fiction by bestselling author James Clavell.
What listeners say about King Rat
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- Richard Stillman
- 26-06-17
King rat - bravo
Thoroughly enjoyed this story a great tale exposing the human frailties when survival comes hard.
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- dan Bassett
- 04-06-20
so good
the whole series is great 👍 ratking the NYC hip hop group named after this book
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- Ahmed Egeh
- 06-01-19
Great book
Amazing book. James Clavell died to young. Read all his books.
What else can be said.
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- warwick manning
- 25-08-20
Moving and Inspiring
Overall this book is truly a piece of history. I think at times the exact direction the narrative is headed is uncertain. However in the end this is reflected in the minds of the POWs and their own uncertainty. This book doesn't preach and it isn't overly pessimistic. Just true to life with its ups and downs. I was left with a sense of hope that the human spirit can endure so much, if only we can remember to treat out fellow man with the dignity we would wish upon ourselves. Self preservation is important but don't forget to preserve the good within your own soul.
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- Ziri
- 21-09-20
master piece
just read it ! a wonderful story of human savagery, endurance and survival, This Audio book rates as one the most astonishing books I have ever read
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Simon T
- 21-08-21
TRULY exceptional book....
I am enjoying all of Clavell's Asian saga, one after the other....but THIS one....this one has had a profound effect on me. It is an incredible look at humanity. How the strong survive and the weak are trampled on or devoured by circumstances. In a truly unimaginable place and time... it has made me think of my Grandfather's generation who fought this terrible war ... How did anyone ever return to normal after such experiences? This is an INCREDIBLE story and I was captivated by every second of it... It is very moving in places and horrifying in others.... I hope you enjoy it as much I have ...it will leave its mark on you...of THAT I am very sure...
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- Roo
- 19-10-21
Outstanding Story of Humanity at its worst and best
Men hate rats for they are so alike. If a human touches a rat it cleans and grooms itself to get the smell of man from it.
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- chen lev
- 30-04-18
A great noval
Loved it, gives an insight to a world I never thought off. Interesting while educating.
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- Anonymous User
- 17-05-24
excellent
the richness of characters the way they are betrayed really puts you there the Sadness and laughter and all the scrollery they get up to I've seen the film but obviously the book has far more depth just brilliant
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- Solaire
- 23-09-17
Completely absorbing
A much leaner book than Clavells's other work, this reads like a matinee war movie with its wonderful cast of characters and capers. There is adventure, humour, and towards the end the book provides subtle reflections on the effects internment has had on the men. Simon Vance provides excellent narration as always.
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1 person found this helpful