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daumari's review against another edition
4.0
Another historical fiction that was probably just contemporary fiction at the time (published 1947, and I think the year is mentioned as 1946 at some point in the novel?), and my second book extra credit for Feb/March for Biere Library book club! I actually never read this in high school, so this was my first time through and I can see why: goes over a historical period, compelling conflicting points of view, and some lyrical writing. Also, another accidental foray into another piece of media thinking about fatherhood as Stephen Kumalo and Jarvis consider the incident between their sons.
I did audiobook due to infant wrangling in this season, and while I really did like Michael York's narration, the Zulu and Afrikaans words really should be read (physical editions also have glossaries, I'm told) as I spent the first third thinking Kumalo's home village was "Indochine" and wondered at the global nature of place names.
I did audiobook due to infant wrangling in this season, and while I really did like Michael York's narration, the Zulu and Afrikaans words really should be read (physical editions also have glossaries, I'm told) as I spent the first third thinking Kumalo's home village was "Indochine" and wondered at the global nature of place names.
weejman33's review against another edition
4.0
Normally not moved by overtly religious novels, but, once again, some deeply striking final pages left me satisfied with the story as a whole. Highly recommended.
cdjdhj's review against another edition
3.0
I agree that this book is a classic. It is "a work of love and hope, courage, endurance and dignity." While it is truly all of these things, it is not one of my all-time favorites. I often felt like I was working while I was reading it. That being said, it is definitely a book worth reading.
pikaharlow98's review
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
catevanam's review against another edition
3.0
loved the prose, could have done without the white savior vibes.
savannahreadsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
dkatreads's review against another edition
5.0
Not a single word misplaced. Every movement and moment in its place, woven together with a master’s hand. The joy of slowly weaving through every thread of this color and that was only overshadowed by the wonder of seeing it all radiantly together as a whole.
This is a story that is neither propaganda nor polemic, but an honest telling as the eyes see it and the body feels it and the heart knows it. Of things true that must be spoken, and of things too true to be spoken of at all in words, yet which somehow are still heard.
Paton’s story of two fathers whose lives collide with the twin forces of tragedy and triumph—of our most desperate fears, and of our most holy instincts—rings true because it never fought to be. It is true in the same way as a harmony (of which Paton is a literary master). It sings on its own. It needs no explaining or defense. As the reader, I happily surrendered to it.
Paton invited us into his home, and I have a great hunger to keep exploring. To find answers to our great human condition of life and life together in this world. To be invited such, and to know great answers will be found along the way, is in a way the magic of literature.
This is a story that is neither propaganda nor polemic, but an honest telling as the eyes see it and the body feels it and the heart knows it. Of things true that must be spoken, and of things too true to be spoken of at all in words, yet which somehow are still heard.
Paton’s story of two fathers whose lives collide with the twin forces of tragedy and triumph—of our most desperate fears, and of our most holy instincts—rings true because it never fought to be. It is true in the same way as a harmony (of which Paton is a literary master). It sings on its own. It needs no explaining or defense. As the reader, I happily surrendered to it.
Paton invited us into his home, and I have a great hunger to keep exploring. To find answers to our great human condition of life and life together in this world. To be invited such, and to know great answers will be found along the way, is in a way the magic of literature.
grandtheftautumn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
thelastkarisa's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A beautiful book with some banger quotes. It was interesting to read about South Africa, as I have little knowledge of the country. The format with the dialogue in dashes instead of quotations was off-putting but manageable. The descriptions are so well written. The political and social commentary was also insightful and woven perfectly throughout the novel. I recommend it. The end broke my heart.