This book was truly one of the most moving books about compassion, forgiveness, hope, and love that I've ever read.

As I turned the last page, I was deeply touched. My understanding and awareness of mercy and justice, and the charity one is capable of, were increased tenfold.

The story of Rev. Steven Kumalo, set in the beautiful yet struggling South Africa, is a powerful and poignant one. It shows the human spirit at its best and worst, and how love and forgiveness can overcome even the greatest of obstacles.

I believe that anyone who reads this book will walk away a better person for the experience. It will make you think about your own life and the choices you make, and it will inspire you to be more compassionate, more forgiving, and more loving.

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of mercy and justice, and the power of love and forgiveness.

It's like Faulkner on valium.

If it weren't for the complete wretchedness of South African literature, this book would not have emerged as slightly less miserable than the others.

Alan Paton spreads the biblical overtones as thick as peanut butter and jelly. The tone is rather remarkable at the beginning, but it turns bland as soon as it becomes evident that this book lacks substance. Since the book has no plot: a crime is committed, justice is served, and the patriarch ascends the mountain for the night to pray and feel somewhat okay.

Just once, just once, I would love to read a happy South African novel. Is that too much to request? It's as if the South African collective is so addicted to victimhood that books like this are required to excuse and justify misery as being patriotic.

Perhaps it's time for a new wave of South African literature that explores the brighter side of life, that showcases the joys and triumphs that exist alongside the hardships.

Maybe there are authors out there who can break free from the cycle of doom and gloom and offer a more hopeful perspective.

One can only hope that such a change is on the horizon, bringing with it a new era of South African literature that is both engaging and uplifting.

What an outstanding novel!

There were certain portions of this book that had a profound and moving impact on me.

The influence of South African literature is evident throughout the novel, which might make it not suitable for everyone.

Nevertheless, it was precisely the right book for me during this particular season.

I had the opportunity to read it thanks to a book club I'm a part of, and I'm truly grateful that I did.

I don't often return to fiction books, but this one is definitely an exception.

I'm confident that I will turn to it again in the future.

The story, the characters, and the themes presented in this novel are so captivating and thought-provoking that it leaves a lasting impression.

It has opened my eyes to a different world and a different perspective, and for that, I am truly appreciative.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of South African literature.

It is a must-read for those who are looking for a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

Cry, the Beloved Country, which was written in 1948, remains a must-read even in the present day.

This powerful novel delves deep into the social and racial issues that plagued South Africa during that time.

It tells the story of a Zulu pastor, Stephen Kumalo, who travels to Johannesburg in search of his son.

Along the way, he witnesses the poverty, violence, and moral decay that have consumed the city.

The novel also explores themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption.

It shows how the actions of individuals can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

Cry, the Beloved Country is not only a great work of literature but also a timely reminder of the importance of social justice and equality.

It encourages readers to reflect on the state of the world and to take action to make it a better place.

Even after all these years, its message still resonates and continues to inspire generations of readers.

Just arrived from France through BM.

Page 105: We should cry for the broken tribe, for the vanished law and custom. Indeed, we should also cry out in praise for the man who has passed away, and for the bereaved woman and children. Cry, the beloved country, for these things are not yet over.

Page 109: And some people are crying for the immediate division of South Africa into separate areas, where whites can live without blacks, and blacks can live without whites. Where blacks can farm their own land, mine their own minerals, and administer their own laws.

Page 111: Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child who is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too joyfully when the water trickles through his fingers, nor stand too quietly when the setting sun sets the veld on fire. Let him not be too touched when the birds of his land are singing, nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For if he gives too much, fear will rob him of everything.

Page 187: We claim that we withhold education because the black child lacks the intelligence to benefit from it; we withhold the opportunity to develop talents because black people have no talents; we justify our actions by saying that it took us thousands of years to achieve our own progress, and it would be foolish to assume that it will take the black man any less time, and therefore there is no need to rush.

This is an article that I truly wish I would have had the opportunity to read a long time ago!

It is written in a wonderfully engaging manner, making it not only a pleasure to read but also highly thought-provoking.

Despite dealing with a rather sorrowful subject matter, the author has managed to present it in a way that is easy to understand and follow.

I cannot recommend this article highly enough to all those who enjoy reading thought-provoking and well-written pieces.

It has the power to touch your heart, make you reflect on important issues, and leave a lasting impression.

So, if you are looking for a great read that will both entertain and educate you, look no further than this article.

This is one of those books that is well-written yet somewhat forgettable.

On one hand, it has a powerful message and presents a more hopeful view of mankind. However, it also feels a bit contrived. I, being on the pessimistic side, may not be the ideal audience for this book. That doesn't mean it's a bunch of nonsense; in fact, it's a heartfelt work that attempts to make sense of a senseless situation. Even in its effort to answer the question of why, it realizes that there may not be a clear answer. After all, how can one provide an answer when they don't know it themselves?

The story follows a simple parson, Stephen Kumalo, who lives in the hinterlands of South Africa and travels to the bustling city of Johannesburg to find out what's happening with his sister and son. The author, Alan Paton, is careful not to be overly accusatory in his portrayal of the growing metropolis. It's easy for an author to lose objectivity when detailing the differences between rural and urban areas. While Johannesburg has all the negative aspects of a major city, such as traffic, crime, fear, mistrust, and centralized poverty, it's also a place where like-minded people can come together to build a more unified country. A city of that size represents both excitement and hope, despite its inherent flaws. Kumalo meets all kinds of people, from sinners to saints, and encounters family members who treat him like a stranger and strangers who treat him like family.

Amidst this personal turmoil lies the question of what will become of South Africa. Will it continue to be a stratified country based on a strict policy of racial division, or will it become a more inclusive nation with opportunities for both native and non-native populations? This book does a credible job of discussing the South African question without turning it into a dull lecture. By showing an honorable man like Kumalo lose so much yet still have the courage and tenacity to persevere, we learn a valuable lesson without being hectored. Paton is able to present historical events like the discovery of a new gold mine or a bus strike without letting them overshadow the narrative. His greatest achievement is his ability to subtly interweave fact with storyline.

Although written in exile, Paton is able to highlight several undercurrents in South African society. There is the divide between rural and urban, between black and white, between labor and big business, and most importantly, between the old traditional ways and the new modern approach. With all these trends at play, it's a tragic and deeply personal event that triggers most of the changes that affect the characters more than any social or political event could. It's this event that turns one character's grief into a blessing for his entire community. I don't know if it's irony or divinity, but only in a tragic passing could one character's good works lead to the improvement of so many.

A modern classic, it is not only a masterpiece of Christian literature but also a remarkable work in the entire realm of literature. Paton has masterfully captured the complex and multifaceted nature of life, with all its messiness, beauty, and sorrow. We find ourselves living in a world that is in a state of "already not yet." As ambassadors of the Kingdom, which is not fully realized here on earth, we earnestly pray for its full manifestation.

All things considered, this work might very well be the finest piece of Anglican propaganda that has been produced since the Book of Common Prayer itself. It has the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers, inviting them to reflect on the deeper spiritual truths and the significance of their role in the world.

Whether one is a devout Christian or simply interested in exploring the human condition through the lens of literature, this modern classic offers profound insights and a moving experience that will stay with the reader long after the final page has been turned.

Not a single word misplaced. Every movement and moment in its place, woven together with a master’s hand. The joy of slowly weaving through every thread of this color and that was only overshadowed by the wonder of seeing it all radiantly together as a whole.

This is a story that is neither propaganda nor polemic, but an honest telling as the eyes see it and the body feels it and the heart knows it. Of things true that must be spoken, and of things too true to be spoken of at all in words, yet which somehow are still heard.

Paton’s story of two fathers whose lives collide with the twin forces of tragedy and triumph—of our most desperate fears, and of our most holy instincts—rings true because it never fought to be. It is true in the same way as a harmony (of which Paton is a literary master). It sings on its own. It needs no explaining or defense. As the reader, I happily surrendered to it.

Paton invited us into his home, and I have a great hunger to keep exploring. To find answers to our great human condition of life and life together in this world. To be invited such, and to know great answers will be found along the way, is in a way the magic of literature.

The beauty of Paton's work lies in its authenticity and simplicity. It doesn't try to force its message upon the reader but rather allows the story to unfold naturally. The characters are vivid and relatable, and their experiences tug at the heartstrings.

As we journey through the pages of Paton's story, we are invited to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make. We are reminded of the power of love, forgiveness, and hope in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Paton's work is a testament to the magic of literature. It has the ability to transport us to another world, to make us feel emotions we never thought possible, and to leave us with a newfound appreciation for the human experience.

Cry, the Beloved Country is an ambitious book that unfortunately falls short in several aspects. Paton attempts to paint a vivid picture of the multifaceted nation of South Africa,涵盖了犯罪学、民族、语言、经济甚至生态学等多个领域，但却在短短240页内匆匆带过。

书中对南非语言问题的处理方式使小说难以阅读。作者用不同的英语风格来表示说话者使用的不同语言，这让我花了一些时间才适应。后来，Paton似乎也被这个问题困扰，开始直接告诉读者使用的是哪种语言，但此时已经造成了影响。书中第一部的几乎所有对话都是用祖鲁语进行的，而且几乎没有复杂的句子。这对于英语读者来说是一种折磨，也给人一种“不精致”的英语表达的印象。我的理解是，Paton将非洲人——甚至是神职人员——描绘成未受过教育的形象，这是一种居高临下的态度，也是书中似乎一直坚持到最后的白人种族家长主义的一个方面。

我不知道祖鲁语是否允许构建复杂的句子，但在《七杀简史》中，风格转换和语码转换的问题处理得要好得多，在那里，很明显角色们是为了自己的交际需要而利用英语的克里奥尔化程度。那本书也很难读，但我的印象是，这是我的问题，而不是作者的问题。

白人种族家长主义的精神贯穿了故事的经济和生态线索。它向我们概述了黄金开采对南非经济的重要性，以及它是如何严重依赖被强制的非洲劳动力的。然而，对于生态问题的解释却不太成功，这些问题最初导致非洲劳动力离开土地进入城市。书中将责任归咎于传统的非洲方法，如过度依赖牛、不种植木材作为燃料以及沿山坡而不是水平耕种。幸运的是，仁慈的白人在那里教育和资助非洲农民。然而，我很难接受那些在几千年里都足够的方法，一旦白人到来就突然失效。这个故事需要更多的历史视角才能有说服力，尤其是要认识到快速工业化给欧洲人带来了与非洲人相同的家庭破裂、药物滥用和犯罪等社会问题。但在南非，这些问题被种族政治的面纱所掩盖。

故事中有一个让我印象深刻的线索，那就是亚瑟·贾维斯图书馆里有“数百本”关于亚伯拉罕·林肯的书，明确地将美国和南非联邦的种族政治进行了类比。但这一点并没有得到深入探讨。在美国，奴隶制作为一种使不同种族群体之间经济机会受限合法化的手段而扎根。种族隔离的一个结果是防止南非白人面临来自黑人的经济竞争。但这种经济等级和种族等级之间的关系在《野草在歌唱》中得到了更深入的探讨。

在对斯蒂芬·库马洛牧师及其家人的处理上，也需要更多的历史或至少是叙事视角。他的儿子阿萨姆究竟是如何离家并陷入犯罪生活的？这是非洲神职人员儿子的常见结局吗？他的兄弟约翰是如何成为有影响力的劳工领袖但却没有宗教信仰的？这两兄弟是如何走上如此不同的道路的？一本更大的小说本可以告诉我们这些（威尔伯·史密斯肯定会这样做）。它也可以解释伊克波的生态退化，毕竟这发生在库马洛的有生之年。对约翰·库马洛的处理也加剧了白人家长主义的精神。他是一个在没有白人支持的情况下在非洲人中崛起成为领袖的人，但他却被描绘成道德薄弱、不忠诚且对自己的追随者构成危险。值得指出的是，强大的演讲能力是入狱前的纳尔逊·曼德拉的标志。当白人南非人最终“转向爱”时，他是那个最终阻止黑人南非人“转向恨”的人。

但当这本书写成时，那一切都还在未来。它是在种族隔离制度即将出台的前夕出版的。这给现代读者一种可怕的感觉，即事情在好转之前会变得更糟。这种感觉作者似乎直到书的最后精彩的结尾部分才有所体会，当时库马洛登上了山顶。在这里，他的故事是以第三人称英语叙述的，而不是糟糕的第一人称祖鲁语翻译。在这里，他认识到自己在英国国教会的职业生涯让别人把他视为“白人的走狗”，欧洲文化和技术不仅被视为非洲人民的救赎，也可能是他们当前问题的根源。在这里，非洲仍将面临的黑暗终于被理解。

这本书给我带来的另一个主要挑战是，它是从一种坚定而积极的基督教视角来写的，就像库马洛牧师一样，在我看来很天真。然而，当你登上山顶时，你会开始欣赏到信仰如何成为一种聚焦南非复杂生活的方式。毕竟，基督教是最终的家长主义精神。

This is such a great book.

It has truly and deeply enriched my understanding of South Africa during that specific period of time. It has not only broadened my knowledge but also strengthened my resolve. I am determined to be a humanist, not blindly patriotic to any country, group, or man based on my own identity or insecurities.

I especially have a penchant for the use of the atmosphere to relay themes. The description of the dying land, the rickety church that the people managed to make do with, and the rain that seemed to bring great (albeit slow) change is simply remarkable. I truly appreciate it when a novel is about more than just actions and dialogue. It delves into the deeper aspects of human nature, society, and the environment, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

Overall, this book has had a profound impact on me and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in South African history, human nature, or simply a good read.

I would definitely include this book in my personal top 10.

I don't claim to have read all of the great books, but the story is powerfully told, and the message is profound. It's one of those books that leaves a lasting impression. I don't remember if I read this in school (or was supposed to read it in school), but it is one that I will come back to again.

If you are bothered by non-standard syntax and editing or words/names that you can't pronounce, then you might not enjoy this book. I will admit to a bias in favor of "voice," but I honestly felt that was one of the important elements of the story. The unique way the author presents the narrative adds to its charm and authenticity.

Now for a bit of a rant. Many reviewers have commented that the lack of quotation marks bothered them. Perhaps they would have preferred more pictures as well, since Paton used lots of words to describe the places, and scenes. But come on! Isn't it the beauty of a good book to make us use our imagination? It must have been somewhat taxing for such reviewers to actually imagine it. I am sure that it made skimming the book difficult too. In fact, maybe he should just have had it written as a series of news articles, with appropriate editing staff making sure that it would be easily readable by the lowest common denominator. Heaven forbid we should actually have to think about what we are reading. We should embrace the challenge and let the words transport us to another world.