King Rat

Brief Overview

The novel "King Rat" by James Clavell tells the story of life in the Japanese prisoner-of-war camp Changi in Singapore during World War II. The main character, an American corporal nicknamed the King, becomes a leader among the prisoners through his intelligence and resourcefulness, organizing trade and barter. He befriends a British officer, Peter Marlowe, who admires his abilities but also grapples with the moral dilemmas of survival in such conditions. The book explores themes of power, friendship, and human nature under extreme circumstances.