An historical sociological novel, A Town Like Alice is a story about a community and how it deals with the coming changes brought upon them by world conflicts. The story follows Jean Paget during the post WWII aftermath. After escaping from Malaysia and in hopes of returning back to her home in England, she inherits a legacy that changes everything. She decides to stay and help the village that took her in by digging a well for them. Soon enough the well begins to attract more developments, compliments of Jean, and it is here that she learns about Joe Harmon, an outback worker. After joining Joe and having so positively experiencing Alice Springs on her way to Willstown, Jean decides to open up a shoe factory like the one she worked for in England. One Thing leads to another and soon many other facilities are made available such as and Ice Cream parlor, Hair Dresser and a Swimming Pool. The effect of Jean's business sense brought about a new goal for the town of Willstown as it began to prosper, bringing in new people, never before seeking business in the humble town.