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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Cry, the Beloved Country is a story about Stephen Kumalo and how he grappled with his son committing crimes like stealing from peoples’ homes and murdering a white man. This book is set in the ‘30s or ‘40s South Africa, where racial divisions are high. It is a moving story of loving one’s country yet crying for it. The writer wrote the characters so realistically, all of their feelings were expressed well. The prose was so lyrical, there were so many quotes I wanted to book dart. The only thing I didn't like is that the dialogue wasn't always as clear as it should have been.
I read this in high school. I HATED it! In fact, it is the only book in my life that I have ever thrown away. I think it was due to my lack of knowledge on the subject at the time. I really need to reread it as an adult. Perhaps some summer reading.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I've been meaning to read this for years, and I'm glad I waited. I studied South Africa in depth as an undergraduate history student, and having that background knowledge gave me a much greater appreciation for the novel.
Cry, The Beloved Country is breathtaking and devastating. I won't even try to describe its beauty, you'll just have to discover it for yourself.
If you don't sob your way through this book, you have no heart.
Cry, The Beloved Country is breathtaking and devastating. I won't even try to describe its beauty, you'll just have to discover it for yourself.
If you don't sob your way through this book, you have no heart.
One of the best books I have ever read. I usually read it once a year, but I am not sure how I didn't get around to reading it last year. Incredible story. Descriptive language. This is a book that I think everyone should read.
I tried but could not finish. I'm sure it is true to its time but the heavy pushing of Christianity wasn't something I wanted to read more of.
I had read this book back in high school, around the time my dad first went to South Africa as part of his ministry with the United Methodist Church. Honestly, at the time, I don't remember liking it all that much, so it took me a while to pick it up again.
Reading it now, after having been to South Africa myself and knowing more about the history and fragile beauty of the place, I appreciated it far more. Beautifully written, and hard to believe where the story of South Africa has led in the 60+ years since it was written.
Reading it now, after having been to South Africa myself and knowing more about the history and fragile beauty of the place, I appreciated it far more. Beautifully written, and hard to believe where the story of South Africa has led in the 60+ years since it was written.
"The boy who is a murderer was once a boy who was afraid of the dark."
Despite some rough edges this is a lovely book, one that I'd come back to someday.
Despite some rough edges this is a lovely book, one that I'd come back to someday.
What an amazing book! I was privileged to teach this once in First Year Seminar at Gordon. It wasn't teaching so much as communal worship.
It was an era and country I knew little about. After reading it, I certainly felt like I'd had a glimpse into a difficult period of South Africa in transition from colonialism to an attempt of self-govern/responsibility.