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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Cry, the beloved country for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply, let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veldt with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing, nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him of all, if he gives too much.
This is said to be the most important and well-known novel from South Africa. It is the powerful and heart-wrenching story of a Zulu man leaving home to find his lost son and sister in Johannesburg. He approaches tragedy with grace and, fitting with his role as a Christian pastor, blesses those he encounters.
It is a moving story of racism and redemption. Hopeful, but devastating that this book was written when the worst of the legalized racism started in 1948. Even with this book bringing bold awareness of the horrific consequences, legal Apartheid continued for more than 40 years.
This book is almost scriptural in tone and cadence. The dialogue seems intentionally stilted, possibly to indicate literal translations from Zulu to English. The narrative has interludes of poems and songs that gave voice to the feelings of the people.
[b:The Orphan Master's Son|11529868|The Orphan Master's Son|Adam Johnson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327878601l/11529868._SX50_.jpg|16467838] by Adam Johnson. An orphan stumbles into a minor position of power as he becomes the body double for a North Korean official. A satirical thriller with attempted rebellion in the world’s most obscure dictatorship under Kim-Jong Il.
[b:Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry|310459|Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Logans, #4)|Mildred D. Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388345167l/310459._SY75_.jpg|1165554] by Mildred Taylor. This middle grade Newbery medal winner carries the same themes of connection to the land, living with courage and dignity under segregation in Jim Crow Mississippi. I first read it 30 years ago and it still comes to mind often.
This is said to be the most important and well-known novel from South Africa. It is the powerful and heart-wrenching story of a Zulu man leaving home to find his lost son and sister in Johannesburg. He approaches tragedy with grace and, fitting with his role as a Christian pastor, blesses those he encounters.
It is a moving story of racism and redemption. Hopeful, but devastating that this book was written when the worst of the legalized racism started in 1948. Even with this book bringing bold awareness of the horrific consequences, legal Apartheid continued for more than 40 years.
This book is almost scriptural in tone and cadence. The dialogue seems intentionally stilted, possibly to indicate literal translations from Zulu to English. The narrative has interludes of poems and songs that gave voice to the feelings of the people.
[b:The Orphan Master's Son|11529868|The Orphan Master's Son|Adam Johnson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327878601l/11529868._SX50_.jpg|16467838] by Adam Johnson. An orphan stumbles into a minor position of power as he becomes the body double for a North Korean official. A satirical thriller with attempted rebellion in the world’s most obscure dictatorship under Kim-Jong Il.
[b:Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry|310459|Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Logans, #4)|Mildred D. Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388345167l/310459._SY75_.jpg|1165554] by Mildred Taylor. This middle grade Newbery medal winner carries the same themes of connection to the land, living with courage and dignity under segregation in Jim Crow Mississippi. I first read it 30 years ago and it still comes to mind often.
I think Stacy recommeneded this to me and I loved it!!
This book is as much as a 'must-read' as The Grapes of Wrath in my opinion. It is very well written and contains many important messages. It's an eye opener as well as a hope giver- a book that can touch your emotions.
There are reasons why classics are classics. This is a hauntingly beautiful story that has the reader fully committed from page one. Of course it is also a fantastically clever representation of South Africa’s struggle through Apartheid and mid century racial issues.
We follow pastor Kumalo as he searches for his sister and son in sprawling Johannesburg. He is lost in his simple ways and lack of understanding of this new city. As his search unfolds, the plight of the young native in Johannesburg, becomes far too personal.
It was a quick read and absolutely elegant. There is no wonder as to why it is so highly acclaimed.
We follow pastor Kumalo as he searches for his sister and son in sprawling Johannesburg. He is lost in his simple ways and lack of understanding of this new city. As his search unfolds, the plight of the young native in Johannesburg, becomes far too personal.
It was a quick read and absolutely elegant. There is no wonder as to why it is so highly acclaimed.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
A pure and simple telling of complex social issues. Still just as relevant as when it was written because humans as a whole are stupid.
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good book, but definitely not for me. The pacing was a bit too slow and I didn’t engage with the story much
This is one of those books that restores your faith in human kindness. It shows weak people who choose wrong, but are humble enough to see their error and change. Even as old men, both Kumalo and Jarvis learn new things and become better people. I love Mrs. Lithebe's servant heart: when thanked for providing food and "always [being] our helper," she replies simply, "For what else are we born?" This book is full of admirable characters who inspire me to be kinder, more loving, less selfish -- Msimangu, the greatest man Kumalo ever knew, who gave all his worldly wealth to Kumalo to help his family and church; the lawyer who defended Absalom pro deo; the red-haired Englishman who was willing to do anything to help Kumalo; the man who worked in the reformatory, investing his entire life's work to help criminal boys get back on the right track; Kumalo's friend that carried his bags when he got off the train, who said, "I have never thought that a Christian would be free of suffering, umfundisi. For our Lord suffered. And I come to believe that he suffered, not to save us from suffering, but to teach us how to bear suffering. For he knew that there is no life without suffering"; and most of all, Kumalo himself, who welcomed his fallen children back into his home with complete forgiveness and unconditional love, and offered a loving home and family to his grandson and to the unmarried woman carrying his son's child, without one thought of the expense it would be to him and his wife. Such a moving and inspiring story! And so simply and beautifully written.