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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
I read this for summer reading in high school. Really powerful book, moved me to tears after reading it almost. Literary classic!
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
I learned a lot about the history of South Africa in this book. Many parts were difficult to read, but ultimately it was a story of hope. This book was written over 75 years ago now- it’s been ages since I’ve read a book this old!
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Wow. This book blew me away. Beautiful and profound. It takes place over 60 years ago in South Africa and from that, I learned a great deal about another time and place. But so much of it - so shocking much of it - could have been written about the United States in 2013. It was timeless and placeless in a deeply sobering kind of way.
I both listened to and read this book. The audio book reader is extraordinary and the listening experience is powerful and absorbing.
Many read this book in high school but for those, like me, who did not ... I suggest putting it on your list of must-reads. I actually knew very little about it in advance and that was actually a wonderful way to experience its freshness and unique style.
I both listened to and read this book. The audio book reader is extraordinary and the listening experience is powerful and absorbing.
Many read this book in high school but for those, like me, who did not ... I suggest putting it on your list of must-reads. I actually knew very little about it in advance and that was actually a wonderful way to experience its freshness and unique style.
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A lovely personal tale highlighting race issues in South Africa, as seen through the eyes of a deeply religious and spiritual protagonist.
The most important read of the year. Everyone ought to read this & think deeply upon it.
Really nice writing with some killer lines. I feel like Paton did a great job describing a very particular place and time.
But also want to highlight slothrop_'s review:
But also want to highlight slothrop_'s review:
2.0
“pacifist slop which does not even try to hide its love for the very systems of dependency which perpetuate settler colonialism.”
yup! but also, written by a white man in the 40s. So I expected it. And of course, lots of parts in the book bringing out structural issues that I feel were quite compelling given the time.
yup! but also, written by a white man in the 40s. So I expected it. And of course, lots of parts in the book bringing out structural issues that I feel were quite compelling given the time.