Best Selling Books by Nevil Shute

A novel about the survivors of an atomic war, who face an inevitable end as radiation poisoning moves toward Australia from the North.

Aboard a fishing boat named “Genevieve,” a small group of British officers and French fishermen—armed only with a flame thrower and small arms—plan a secret commando mission against the might of the German army after the fall of France in World War II. Each man has experienced a terrible loss of one kind or another, and each is fully prepared to face the risks of their desperate gesture of defiance. Most Secret is classic Shute: a thrilling tale of sacrifice and courage and the heroism of ordinary men that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Jean Paget, a youthful Englishwoman, gets romantically interested in a fellow prisoner of World War II in Malaya. After getting released, she relocates to Australia to be with him. There she tries to develop economic prosperity in a remote outback society by investing her financial inheritance to turn it into "a town like Alice," i.e., Alice Springs.

Set in the contrasting landscapes of post-war Oregon and Western Australia, ''Beyond the Black Stump'' is an exemplary tale from the prodigious mind of Nevil Shute Norway. In this work, Shute skillfully weaves a narrative featuring themes of cultural clash and the quest for understanding amidst global modernization. The novel''s astute depiction of frontier life and exploration of moral relativism reveal Shute''s literary mastery while employing a quintessentially mid-20th-century style that resonates with the evolutionary sociopolitical backdrop of the era. Shute''s prose, characterized by a straightforward and empathic understanding of human frailty, deftly captures the mood and spirit of the age. Nevil Shute Norway, an aeronautical engineer turned author, possesses an intimate knowledge of the mechanical and social intricacies of the mid-20th century. The aviation-influenced precision, coupled with his first-hand experiences of both wars and emigration, deeply informs the existential and pioneering themes present in ''Beyond the Black Stump.'' His prose, rich in detail and humanity, often reflects his own professional and personal sojourns and offers a subtle yet profound commentary on the human condition through the lens of his characters'' lives. This edition of ''Beyond the Black Stump'' is an invitation to the discerning reader to embark on a journey alongside Shute''s rich characters as they navigate the complexities of identity, progress, and tradition. DigiCat Publishing has meticulously preserved Shute''s literary contribution, ensuring that it continues to captivate and educate. The novel is a compelling recommendation for readers who appreciate classic literature with themes that are at once universal and intimate, painting a portrait of a world at the intersection of the past and the future.

The Breaking Wave is one of Nevil Shute’s most poignant and psychologically suspenseful novels, set in the years just after World War II. Sidelined by a wartime injury, fighter pilot Alan Duncan reluctantly returns to his parents'' remote sheep station in Australia to take the place of his brother Bill, who died a hero in the war. But his homecoming is marred by the suicide of his parents'' parlormaid, of whom they were very fond. Alan soon realizes that the dead young woman is not the person she pretended to be. Upon discovering that she had served in the Royal Navy and participated along with his brother in the secret build-up to the Normandy invasion, Alan sets out to piece together the tragic events and the lonely burden of guilt that unravelled one woman’s life. In the process of finding the answer to the mystery, he realizes how much he had in common with this woman he never knew and how “a war can go on killing people long after it''s all over.”

John Turner, a young man with a checkered past, has been told he has just one year to live. He decides to use his remaining time in search of three very different men he met in the hospital during the war, each of them in trouble of some kind: a pilot whose wife had betrayed him, a young corporal charged with killing a civilian in a brawl, and a black G.I. wrongly accused of the attempted rape of a white English girl. As Turner discovers where these men have landed on the checkerboard of life, he learns about compassion, tolerance, and second chances, and overcomes his fear of death.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Trustee from the Toolroom" by Nevil Shute Norway. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

This work explores the life of Tom Cutter, who has been passionate about airplanes since childhood. He has to either remain in England as an employee in someone else''s aviation business or set out on his own. But with little more than personal determination and an antique aircraft, Cutter establishes an independent flying service on the Persian Gulf.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "No Highway" by Nevil Shute Norway. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

During the summer of 1940, John Howard, a 70-year-old Englishman on vacation in France, cuts short his trip and leaves for home. He decides to take two children with him, but trains fail, and roads get blocked with the war closing in. To make things worse, other children join Howard''s little band. At last, they find desperation when they reach the coast and Howard''s biggest test lies ahead of him.

Nevil Shute''s ''Ruined City'' weaves a tale of revival and determination set against the grim backdrop of the Great Depression. Through the narrative of Henry Warren, a banker who finds himself inexplicably tied to the fate of a struggling shipbuilding town, Shute offers a poignant exploration of the human spirit. His prose, characterized by a direct and compelling clarity, unspools a story of one man''s clandestine efforts to breathe life into a dying community. Shute''s work stands as a testament to the genre of social commentary, encapsulating the despair and hope of an era with nuanced storytelling that transcends its immediate literary context. The author, Nevil Shute Norway, was an aeronautical engineer and novelist who combined his technical knowledge with a deep understanding of human nature. ''Ruined City'', inspired perhaps by Shute''s own experiences with the economic struggles of the time, captures the intricate dynamics of societal rejuvenation amidst adversity. His characters, particularly Warren, are meticulously crafted to resonate with the struggles and aspirations of the everyman, anchored by Shute''s own compassionate worldview and belief in the resilience of communities. ''Reuined City'' is recommended for readers who seek a narrative imbued with hope, ethical quandaries, and the enduring power of collective endeavor. Shute masterfully engages the reader with an undercurrent of quiet heroism and the moral complexities of intervention. This book is an inspiring read for those who appreciate nuanced character development and the meticulous depiction of social revival, all the while offering a broader meditation on the impact of individual action in the face of societal despair.

In ''So Disdained,'' Nevil Shute masterfully conveys the suspense and ethical conundrums of post-war Britain through his poignant narrative style. The book immerses readers in a story of loyalty and moral ambiguity, exploring the consequences of war and the strains it places on personal honor. Written with a deep understanding of human resilience, Shute''s novel is both a thrilling espionage tale and a contemplative look at the cost of loyalty. Set in the evocative landscape of Sussex, Shute''s use of detailed settings and his exploration of the tension between duty and friendship position the novel within the rich tradition of English literature that grapples with the aftermath of conflict and personal integrity.nNevil Shute, a distinguished engineer and World War II veteran, infuses his work with the authenticity of personal experience. His career in both aeronautics and the military provides a realistic backdrop to the novel''s themes, imparting an intimate perspective on the moral complexity faced by those who have served in conflict. Shute''s ability to craft multidimensional characters reflects his keen insights into the human condition, undoubtedly shaped by his varied and profound experiences. These elements coalesce to give ''So Disdained'' its compelling depth and lingering impact.n''So Disdained'' is highly recommended for readers with an interest in wartime narratives and character-driven stories. The novel will especially appeal to those who appreciate the exploration of moral dilemmas faced by individuals during tumultuous periods in history. Nevil Shute''s adept storytelling and rich character development make this book an enduring study of loyalty, honor, and the inescapable shadows cast by war. It stands as a testament to the repercussions of conflict on the human spirit and is a must-read for enthusiasts of literary finesse and historical depth.

It is the wet season in the Australian outback. Drunk and delirious, an old ex-pilot known as “Pisspot Stevie” lies dying in a remote cabin in the Queensland bush. When a priest named Roger Hargreaves comes upon him, Stevie is smoking opium to relieve the pain of his last moments. The priest listens as Stevie, in an opium-fueled haze, begins to describe a very different life he once lived—not in the past, but decades in the future, as a mixed-race aviator who finds love and glory in service to the Queen. After Stevie’s death, as Hargreaves tries to sort dream from reality, he makes discoveries that cause him to wonder if he has been granted a glimpse beyond the veil.

Young pilot Donald Ross has little in common with the Oxford archaeologist who has employed him on an expedition to the Arctic—and still less with his beautiful but stubborn daughter, Alix. But once the three of them reach the treacherous shores of Greenland, in search of the ruins of early Viking settlements, their destinies are inextricably bound by the events that unfold there.

Jennifer flees drab post-war London and falls for Carl in Australia, even though they come from very different worlds.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Landfall" by Nevil Shute Norway. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

When seasoned pilot Johnny Pascoe tries to rescue a sick girl from the Tasmanian outback, his plane crashes and leaves him stranded and dangerously injured. Ronnie Clarke, who was trained by Pascoe, attempts to fly a doctor in to help, but rough weather makes his mission more difficult than he imagined. As he waits overnight at Pascoe’s house for a chance to try again the next day, Clarke revisits the past of this unusual man—and reveals the shocking and tragic secrets that have influenced his life.

Nevil Shute was a pioneer in the world of flying long before he began to write the stories that made him a bestselling novelist. This autobiography charts Shute’s path from childhood to his career as a gifted aeronautical engineer working at the forefront of the technological experimentation of the 1920s and 30s. The inspiration for many of the themes and concerns of Shutes novels can be found in this enjoyable and enlightening memoir.

When Peter Moran, a former World War I pilot, picks up a man on the roadside while driving through a bitter rainy night, he is startled to discover that the bedraggled man is a wartime comrade of his who has just survived a crash landing. As he learns more about his old friend’s strange mission, Moran finds himself entangled in treasonous international plots, flying adventures, and tests of both his bravery and his loyalty.

World War II pilot Peter Marshall leads the most successful bombing crew at his airbase, having survived an unusual number of extremely dangerous missions over Germany. However, when Peter falls hopelessly in love with an attractive WAAF officer—one who insists that wartime duties should take precedence over emotions—his concentration begins to suffer. Soon it looks as though his perfect run of successful missions may be at risk—along with the lives of Peter and his men—unless she can be persuaded to relent.

Jean Paget is just twenty years old and working in Malaya when the Japanese invasion begins. When she is captured she joins a group of other European women and children whom the Japanese force to march for miles through the jungle - an experience that leads to the deaths of many. Due to her courageous spirit and ability to speak Malay, Jean takes on the role of leader of the sorry gaggle of prisoners and many end up owing their lives to her indomitable spirit. While on the march, the group run into some Australian prisoners, one of whom, Joe Harman, helps them steal some food, and is horrifically punished by the Japanese as a result. After the war, Jean tracks Joe down in Australia and together they begin to dream of surmounting the past and transforming his one-horse outback town into a thriving community like Alice Springs...