Cry, the Beloved Country (Oprah's Book Club) by Alan Paton
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Book Reviews of Cry, the Beloved Country (Oprah's Book Club)
Book Review: I discovered a great book...
Summary: 5 Stars
Excellent book about a black man accused of killing a white man in South Africa, during the time of apartheid.Paton's writing works on many levels, and the plot is not a simple one, but the portrait he paints of the time period in South Africa is a powerful one, and I believe that the book deserves the recognition it is finally getting as a result of Oprah's Book Club. I normally shy away from her selections, but as soon as she switched to the classics, I've been impressed with her choices of material.
This is a book not to be missed--and I am glad that I discovered it after all of these years.
Book Review: A remarkable novel
Summary: 5 Stars
It is too simple to simply report this as a book about apartheid. The novel depicts human nature beautifully--the fact that the story line is about South Africa is just a prop to describe how and why people acts as they do. So much of this story applies today and in so many settings=--and in our own backyards.
This is a remarkable novel and while I don't see it on too many lists of the greatest 100 novels--it belongs there.
Unconditionally recommended for the thoughtful reader.
Book Review: Good Stuff
Summary: 5 Stars
Patton struck gold with this heartfelt description of oppression and hope, "Cry, The Beloved Country." Inspired by the writing style presented in "The Grapes of Wrath," "Cry" follows a South African priest that leaves his beloved country home to go to Johannesburg to search for his missing son. Along the way, he meets people from all walks of life, and Patton does a masterful job in displaying their mixed emotions: fear, hope etc... The ending would bring any soft-hearted "Joe" to tears. Wonderful.Book Review: Inspirational!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is an inspirational glance at the inherent goodness in man and it's abuse by fellow man. While dealing with touchy subjects, namely apartheid, the ideas presented by Paton are as powerful as anything Orwell could have written. The bright, fresh, and positive future suggested by Paton reaches deeper into the soul than the dystopia presented by many 20th century authors. With conviction in God and country Paton illustrates the power of forgiveness and love in changing a corrupt society.Book Review: A beloved book
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my most favorite book of all time. Even though it was written in the 40s, it still speaks volumes about human dignity as well as prejudice. Sadly, these things are always with us, and so this book is timeless. A more recent novel of the same genre, set in South Africa and movingly written, is "A Telling Time" by Glynnis Hayward. (ISBN 1591295912) It provides a good companion read with Paton's novel. I highly recommend reading them both, - read one for Oprah, and one for yourself.