---
product_id: 10598768
title: "King Rat (Asian Saga) Mass Market Paperback – September 1, 1986"
brand: "james clavell"
price: "A$26"
currency: AUD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 10
url: https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/10598768-king-rat-asian-saga-mass-market-paperback-september-1-1986
store_origin: AU
region: Australia
---

# King Rat (Asian Saga) Mass Market Paperback – September 1, 1986

**Brand:** james clavell
**Price:** A$26
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** King Rat (Asian Saga) Mass Market Paperback – September 1, 1986 by james clavell
- **How much does it cost?** A$26 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.au](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/10598768-king-rat-asian-saga-mass-market-paperback-september-1-1986)

## Best For

- james clavell enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted james clavell brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Description

Full description not available

## Images

![King Rat (Asian Saga) Mass Market Paperback – September 1, 1986 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61W48JqhdmL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    a book for the ages
  

*by A***I on Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024*

I read this book 30+ years ago and remembered it as a favorite. It did not disappoint on the reread. Human nature doesn’t change. A fascinating story.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    More Restocking
  

*by J***. on Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024*

Just another in the series it’s a good story so worth a re read

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Surviving, Simply Surviving
  

*by J***S on Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2022*

I still have my paperback copy from the original printing.  Forty years later, or so, we've chosen King Rat for our book club, and I bought the updated copy.  There is a very short introduction by Clavell's daughter, which is interesting, but the printing is odd.  On the last page of the intro, now is shown as "no w" and more as "mo re".  This may be a result of the Japanese or Malayan terms used in the book, but it is careless.  My original paperback has no mistakes.This is Clavell's first novel, a fictionalization of his experience in the Changi POW camp during WWII.  As ruthless as the Japanese are, this book does not focus on them.  Rather it presents the story of survival under extreme circumstances.  When your world is turned upside down, and endurance is tested to its limit, is it possible to survive?  How?  Some people die from the lack of will to live.  Others steal and cheat.  Others are endlesslly giving, even as they waste away.  Some are very courageous and risk all.  Some fall apart when caught, regardless of how selfless their crime.  Others show icy resolve in the face of terror.  A few actually come into their own.  It is the very American New Yorker who exploits every opportunity.  Surrounded by the English and their antiquated class system, the self-reliant kid from the slums of New York thrives in this environment.  And for this he is hated.  Even by his fellow Americans.The author writes in an immediate, simple style, with a fair amount of dialogue, so the story moves quickly.  Although the issue of survivor's guilt is never addressed, it looms in the background of this complicated story.  It's doubtful the very, very good would have survived.Some clever marketing person has packaged Clavell's novels as a "set."  These books are not a set.  They are four attempts to understand the Oriental mind.  King Rat is the simplest of the books; Shogun the most complicated.  I re-read Shogun every now and again to re-learn how the Japanese think.  But it is so foreign to our Western way of thinking, that I cannot remember it over the years.  Shogun is the best book I've ever seen on the Japanese.  King Rat may be the best at how to survive in Hell.

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/10598768-king-rat-asian-saga-mass-market-paperback-september-1-1986](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/10598768-king-rat-asian-saga-mass-market-paperback-september-1-1986)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Australia*
*Store origin: AU*
*Last updated: 2026-03-13*