King Rat

The Epic Novel of War and Survival

By: James Clavell

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's 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.

©2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2015 Blackstone Audio

Excellent Book

I remember the movie, and thought it would be good to listen to the book. What a marvel! Interesting characters, and the brutality the POW's endured, it's just difficult to get ones head around it. Great story, written so well, and the narrator did an excellent job.

it is an interesting story, work the listen!

An I teresrong books about the things men do during their internment in a Japanese POW camp. I have read a great many histories of the real life experiences, and while this takes some license, it has a solid basis in historical fact and is an enjoyable read/listen. I was recommended to read this book by the son of a Japanese camp survivor whose Father suggested he read it. what I would give to be able to chat with his Father about his experiences now that I have read it!

Loved it!

Great story. Actually finished it while travelling through southeast Asia and had a chance to visit some of the sites of actual POW camps and having read the book drew further insight into the story. Really well done.

adult lord of the flies

somebody said this is adult lord of the flies. I kept thinking the same thing. that's exactly what this is. The strong survive and the weak are exploited.

Excellent book.

Would you consider the audio edition of King Rat to be better than the print version?

I would have to say yes. My accents aren’t as good as the narrators. I found both to be equally enjoyable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Peter Marlowe. The struggle for him to try to understand the King and his ways versus his British upbringing was interesting to listen to.

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His accents and the feelings he gave to each of the characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire situation from all sides who were victims of the war and how they coped never ceases to amaze me.

got kind of boring

the book was good but I didn't like a lot of the middle part when it got dull

Iit is still a relevant story, so well written.

This will take you out of your world and dunk you into a universal reality. Worth the listen.

Unforgettable story of harsh times

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is inside look at the nature of man when beset with physical and mental pains.

What was one of the most memorable moments of King Rat?

When the truth of the matter came unerringly to the individual who had consumed some very tasty "meat" at a great expense, only to realize it was RAT meat!!!

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

His ability to change the timbre and inflection of his voice for the differing of each one of the main characters.

Book I like

I like book
Book is good 👍
I like listen to good book
Me so happy

Short but Great. Excellent Narrator.

So far, I enjoyed this book most of all the Asian Saga. Though it was shorter, it was a great story, well narrated.