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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Meh, one of my least favorite books I read for English in high school so far. I'm so glad I bought it cheap at a thrift store. Um...confusing. It wasn't HORRIBLE but I still didn't like it. If the writing style had been different then the book probably would've improved dramatically.
I get why this was a big deal back in the day and it is beautifully written. I'm just not connecting with it.
I have a hard time with African novels and I'm not sure why. I was trying to describe it to my husband and all I could come up with was "bleak." I really struggled through "Things Fall Apart" (I thought it was the circular story telling) and "Out of Africa" (of which, I'm well aware was written by a European woman).
I did enjoy Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "We Should All Be Feminists" and have other African writers on my list. Maybe I relate more to contemporary African writers? I also liked, but did not love, "Akata Witch" -- my main complaint is that it felt like it was setting up to be a series. I don't blame the author for that, just not my cup of tea.
So, definitely willing to give more African writers/reads a try. But, as always, I will joyfully abandon any works that just aren't connecting.
I have a hard time with African novels and I'm not sure why. I was trying to describe it to my husband and all I could come up with was "bleak." I really struggled through "Things Fall Apart" (I thought it was the circular story telling) and "Out of Africa" (of which, I'm well aware was written by a European woman).
I did enjoy Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "We Should All Be Feminists" and have other African writers on my list. Maybe I relate more to contemporary African writers? I also liked, but did not love, "Akata Witch" -- my main complaint is that it felt like it was setting up to be a series. I don't blame the author for that, just not my cup of tea.
So, definitely willing to give more African writers/reads a try. But, as always, I will joyfully abandon any works that just aren't connecting.
I really liked this book. It was well written and gave me a perspective on South Africa (which I've never paid attention to before). I am glad that this was a required read for school.
I believe this book is a "forced-read" in many high schools. I noticed it in our bookshelves at home, and decided to give it a go. I was NOT disappointed.
The story is set during Apartheid and largely concerns a South African minister trying to find his son, who is in some serious trouble. But it's much more than that. Your heart breaks for the two fathers who lose their sons--one lost to violence, the other to punishment for the violence committed. Additionally, it concerns the ugliness and violence and the occasional mercy and grace springing from the conditions of apartheid.
I believe that everyone should read this one, mostly for a little bit of insight into Africa, but also for some insight into understanding each other.
The story is set during Apartheid and largely concerns a South African minister trying to find his son, who is in some serious trouble. But it's much more than that. Your heart breaks for the two fathers who lose their sons--one lost to violence, the other to punishment for the violence committed. Additionally, it concerns the ugliness and violence and the occasional mercy and grace springing from the conditions of apartheid.
I believe that everyone should read this one, mostly for a little bit of insight into Africa, but also for some insight into understanding each other.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
This is one story I would recommend (and want) everyone to read. There are rare stories that capture a period, a people, a country, a humanity and emotions so eloquently. It needs to be wrapped in wool, put in a cotton box and taken out every now and to be reminded of, well, all of these things. So moving, so brilliantly written, easily for top of the shelf. #MustRead #SouthAfrica
To be brutally honest, I was not expecting to like this book.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Paton's writing was truly beautiful. He tells a sad story of a priest, whose family has been falling apart by going to Johanesburg..and not writing or ever coming back. The priest is on a quest to get back his family, and ultimately, his village. It is a classic tale of the corrupting forces of civilization upon rural life. Plus a twist of racial prejudices as well. There are some very momumental events in the background of this book--but the focus is on this priest, and his struggle to live well.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Paton's writing was truly beautiful. He tells a sad story of a priest, whose family has been falling apart by going to Johanesburg..and not writing or ever coming back. The priest is on a quest to get back his family, and ultimately, his village. It is a classic tale of the corrupting forces of civilization upon rural life. Plus a twist of racial prejudices as well. There are some very momumental events in the background of this book--but the focus is on this priest, and his struggle to live well.
At first the book seemed kind of pointless and to be dragging on but as I got father into it I began to really enjoy the characters and the change in scenery from what I’m used to reading
"Pain and suffering, they are a secret. Kindness and love, they are a secret. But I have learned that kindness and love can pay for pain and suffering."
I am so glad I finally read this book.
I am so glad I finally read this book.
BOOK REVIEW: Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton
Wow, oh wow. Where to begin? I literally picked this book up off the shelf because it had an eye-catching cover and that was it. I had no idea what it was about or how it had even gotten on our bookshelf. But in picking it up and reading it, I was astounded.
Cry, The Beloved Country is a rich story that delicately yet heavily deals with many deep issues regarding colonization, racism and classism in mid-century South Africa. With his poetic voice, Paton was able to bring up these issues through the eyes and hearts of people—rather than with a rhetorical, political voice—which honestly to me seems to be a much better way of handling delicate topics like these. The story focuses on Reverend Stephen Kumalo, a Zulu priest from the small village of Ndotsheni, who, while in search for his wayward sister, travels to the ever-growing city of Johannesburg and finds himself in a place that he could have never imagined. Paton writing from the perspective of a simple African priest was both profound and powerful. The way Paton’s writing dug deep into the very heart of the characters and the culture in which they lived was extremely eye-opening and impactful. I saw the things they saw, I felt the things they felt.
The ending was completely unconventional, which I appreciated because I’ve always loved when stories don’t end with a “happily ever after.” The only thing I felt was missing was that there was not a satisfying conclusion when it came to his sister, however I believe this was intentional, so take that how you will.
Overall, in its simple form, this story tells so much, and Paton’s prose is absolutely wonderful. There were so many little quotes and profound thoughts nestled throughout this entire story. I wholeheartedly give this book a five star rating and would 1000% recommend it to anyone who wants something to read that’s both thought provoking and poetic.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Wow, oh wow. Where to begin? I literally picked this book up off the shelf because it had an eye-catching cover and that was it. I had no idea what it was about or how it had even gotten on our bookshelf. But in picking it up and reading it, I was astounded.
Cry, The Beloved Country is a rich story that delicately yet heavily deals with many deep issues regarding colonization, racism and classism in mid-century South Africa. With his poetic voice, Paton was able to bring up these issues through the eyes and hearts of people—rather than with a rhetorical, political voice—which honestly to me seems to be a much better way of handling delicate topics like these. The story focuses on Reverend Stephen Kumalo, a Zulu priest from the small village of Ndotsheni, who, while in search for his wayward sister, travels to the ever-growing city of Johannesburg and finds himself in a place that he could have never imagined. Paton writing from the perspective of a simple African priest was both profound and powerful. The way Paton’s writing dug deep into the very heart of the characters and the culture in which they lived was extremely eye-opening and impactful. I saw the things they saw, I felt the things they felt.
The ending was completely unconventional, which I appreciated because I’ve always loved when stories don’t end with a “happily ever after.” The only thing I felt was missing was that there was not a satisfying conclusion when it came to his sister, however I believe this was intentional, so take that how you will.
Overall, in its simple form, this story tells so much, and Paton’s prose is absolutely wonderful. There were so many little quotes and profound thoughts nestled throughout this entire story. I wholeheartedly give this book a five star rating and would 1000% recommend it to anyone who wants something to read that’s both thought provoking and poetic.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★