The Chequer Board

"The Chequer Board" is a novel by Nevil Shute, first published in the UK in 1947 by William Heinemann Ltd. The novel deals fairly with the question of racism within the US forces during World War II and portrays black characters with great sympathy and support.

Plot summary

It is a multi-part story telling of the experience of one John (Jackie) Turner, who has been given but one year of life by medical professionals due to a war-related plane crash. Turner decides to use his remaining time to trace the men he got to know while recovering in hospital.

The men were:
*Flying Officer Phillip Morgan - the plane's British pilot.
*Corporal Duggie Brent - a young British Commando, accused of murder, who also survived the crash.
*Pfc Dave Lesurier - a black American serviceman, accused of attempted rape, in hospital for trying to cut his own throat while being pursued.

As the stories unfold, we learn that charges against Lesurier were dropped after an Army investigation and that he later returned to the English town near which he was stationed during the war. He marries the girl he was courting and becomes a draughtsman. Brent is also acquitted of murder but served six months for manslaughter after a brilliantly defended court-martial - he is later found living close to Lesurier and working as a meat vendor. Morgan relocates to Burma and becomes a successful business man, married into a strong local community.

Turner is contented by the thought that each man, who had helped with his recovery after the plane crash, had managed to make a good life in his own way. The novel ends with what will be his last visit to the medical specialist.

Underlying the novel is the Buddist belief in re-incarnation and redemption. Although a thief and someone who has a shady past it is indicated that Turner, through his attempts to help his fellow passengers and his acceptance of his death, has attained Nirvana.