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Master Harold and the Boys

athol fugard

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For use in schools and libraries only. An argument between Master Harold, a seventeen-year-old South African, and Sam, the Black man employed at Harold's mother's restaurant, makes them reevaluate their friendship.

64 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1,1982
Literary awards
new york drama critics circle award, 

This edition

Format
64 pages, Library Binding
Published
November 6, 1984 by Bt Bound
ISBN
9780613181297
ASIN
0613181298
Language
English

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About the author

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athol fugard

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Athol Fugard was a South African playwright, novelist, actor, and director widely regarded as South Africa's greatest playwright. Acclaimed in 1985 as "the greatest active playwright in the English-speaking world" by Time, he published more than thirty plays. He was best known for his political and penetrating plays opposing the system of apartheid, some of which have been adapted to film. His novel Tsotsi was adapted as a film of the same name, which won an Academy Award in 2005. It was directed by Gavin Hood.
Fugard also served as an adjunct professor of playwriting, acting and directing in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, San Diego.
Fugard received many awards, honours, and honorary degrees, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from the government of South Africa in 2005 "for his excellent contribution and achievements in the theatre". He was also an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Fugard was honoured in Cape Town with the opening in 2010 of the Fugard Theatre in District Six. He received a Tony Award for lifetime achievement in 2011.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
34(34%)
4 stars
36(36%)
3 stars
30(30%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
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MayucchiYukie
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Wow, this really knocked me out.

It was such an unexpected and overwhelming experience. I was completely taken aback by it.

The impact it had on me was profound. It felt like a powerful force had hit me, leaving me stunned and amazed.

I couldn't believe what had just happened. It was as if time stood still for a moment.

This event or thing had such a significant effect on me that it will surely stay in my memory for a long time.

I'm still trying to process it all and understand the full implications.

It's one of those moments that you know will change you in some way.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this will unfold and what new opportunities or perspectives it will bring.

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Ayato-kun
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The approach taken to address the issues of differences in skin colour, cultural values, respect, and manhood is truly very poignant.

It delves deep into the heart of these complex and often sensitive matters.

The exploration of skin colour differences not only highlights the physical disparities but also the underlying social and psychological implications.

Cultural values are also examined, showing how they can both unite and divide people.

Respect emerges as a crucial element in bridging these gaps, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and acceptance.

Finally, the concept of manhood is redefined in the context of these issues, challenging traditional notions and promoting a more inclusive and empathetic understanding.

This poignant approach serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing these issues with sensitivity and respect, and of the need to work towards a more harmonious and equitable society.
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razlaz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I don't fancy the disconnect between Fugard's writing style in the first two thirds of the book and the last third of the play.

This disparity makes it a bit jarring for the reader.

Moreover, I truly wish this book had expanded on the scenes, emotions, and atmospheres in the last third of this play.

The end of the play seemed to hold so much potential that was left somewhat untapped.

If only the author had delved deeper into those final moments, explored the characters' feelings more thoroughly, and painted a more vivid picture of the settings.

It feels like there was a missed opportunity to make the story even more impactful and engaging.

As it stands, the first two thirds set up an interesting premise, but the last third doesn't quite live up to the expectations it creates.

Perhaps with more expansion and development in that final section, the book could have been a truly remarkable piece of literature.
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WillSellers
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is a very interesting and satisfying play.

It is set during apartheid in South Africa and revolves around a privileged white teen and two black servants having an extended conversation.

The play has several high points. For instance, there is beautiful imagery in a monologue about ballroom dancing, which adds a touch of elegance and charm.

On the other hand, there is also ugly pugilistic behavior, which is quite fitting considering the harsh and divided setting of apartheid.

However, I have one reservation. I dislike it when themes and morality are presented in a heavy-handed manner.

Overall, it is a good play, but perhaps to fully appreciate its nuances and subtleties, I would need to see it performed on stage.

Seeing the actors bring the characters to life and interact in real time might give a different perspective and enhance the overall experience of the play.
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Orderer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I initially watched the play version, and I would rate it a 2 out of 5.

Perhaps it was because there were no subtitles, and the tension in the play simply couldn't compare to that of the book version. It just didn't appeal to my tastes.

Right from the moment when racism began to surface in Hally, I started to get extremely angry at him. Lol, I actually wanted to punch him so badly.

The book version was better. Although the book didn't seem to be as filled with tension, I was still angry at Hally to a reasonable extent.

I would give the book around 3.5 for how effectively it depicts racism and how it can destroy friendships and so on.

Overall, I believe this is one of those books that I don't really enjoy because of my age. I would most likely appreciate this literary masterpiece more if I were older.

I think as I grow and gain more life experiences, I will be able to better understand and empathize with the complex themes and emotions presented in the story.

Nonetheless, I can still recognize the value and significance of this work, even if it doesn't fully resonate with me at this point in my life.

Maybe in the future, I will revisit this book and have a completely different perspective.
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purdystar
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Published in 1982, this short play is set in South Africa in 1950.

It delves into the complex relationship of a teenaged white boy, Hally, and two African servants in their mid-40s, Sam and Willie. The story tackles various themes such as the ugliness of racism, a friendship that is torn apart, dashed dreams, hard truths, and a crippled and drunk father. However, I was appalled to see that Willie believed it was acceptable to beat his girlfriend.

Despite the heavy and disturbing themes, the play is powerful and impressionable, leaving the audience with a quiet hopefulness in its ending. I would rate it 4.5 stars.

Considered to be one of South Africa’s greatest playwrights, Athol Fugard has had an incredibly prolific career. He has written more than 30 plays and novels, and has also acted, directed, and taught. Many of his plays are political in nature, opposing the unjust system of apartheid. Born in 1932, he has received numerous awards for his remarkable achievements.

The play is believed to be semi-autobiographical, adding an extra layer of depth and authenticity. Initially, the play was banned from production in South Africa due to its controversial subject matter. This only serves to highlight the importance and significance of Fugard’s work in shedding light on the harsh realities of apartheid and promoting social change.
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Milkylicious_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is a very quick read that delves into important themes such as family heritage, racism, and the changes that come with adolescence.

The script has a smooth flow that compels the reader to finish it rapidly. It also leaves the reader with thought-provoking questions that they have to answer on their own.

The power of this script lies in the imagery of it being performed live. At times, as the men in the story imagine a separate world, the audience can be carried along with them.

This creates a truly immersive experience that allows the viewer to better understand the characters and their struggles.

Overall, this is a script that has the potential to make a significant impact on both the reader and the viewer.
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munmunkey
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I had to read this particular piece for my English class, and I must confess that it wasn't as bad as I initially thought. In fact, it provided me with a rather good perspective on what life was like in Africa during the era of apartheid. The story delved deep into the hardships and struggles that the people had to endure during that time. It painted a vivid picture of the social and political unrest, as well as the discrimination and inequality that prevailed. Moreover, it had a truly meaningful theme that made me think about the importance of equality, justice, and human rights. It made me realize how fortunate I am to live in a time and place where these values are more widely respected. Overall, I'm glad that I had the opportunity to read this, as it has broadened my understanding of a significant period in history.

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