I was truly fortunate to come across this book shortly after delving into Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. This sequence enabled me to have a more profound understanding of some of the issues that the characters in Paton's book grapple with under apartheid. It solidifies my unwavering belief that fiction can vividly depict the human condition just as effectively as history or memoir. It engages us fully by allowing us to empathize deeply with the characters we grow to care about, in a way that non-fiction genres often fail to achieve.

What Paton has accomplished is truly remarkable. He begins by presenting the black side of apartheid. In the story's timeline, the blacks have already been segregated into bantustans, which are essentially reservations or "homelands" carved out of some of the poorest land in the nation. They have been evicted from their homes and herded into overcrowded, resource-poor areas. Many have fled to the cities in search of a better life, but they mostly encounter crowded conditions that drive them to desperation, loose morals, and crime. Those who remain in the bantustans struggle to maintain their faith and identities while working the land against all odds.

However, Paton doesn't stop there. He then gives us a glimpse into the white side of apartheid, exploring the reasons why it was desirable for some, the racism, anger, and fear that prevailed, and also the perspective of the compassionate reformers. It is through an essay written by his son that Jarvis, the main white character, we gain a very clear understanding of what the whites have done to create the unjust conditions for the blacks and why they must change their policies.

In this way, we are presented with examples of the problems the blacks are facing, and then we are provided with the backstory of how and why these conditions came about, putting the struggles into context. It's quite a feat to achieve this without making us feel like we are reading a history book.

Every character in the book is beautifully and clearly drawn. From the Zulu pastor Kumalo to Msimangu, the priest who assists him in Johannesburg, the landlady, the corrupt but charismatic brother, and even the lawyer who takes the case of the pastor's son "for God."

Jarvis's compassion, awakened by his son's work that he only discovered after his murder, feels deep and genuine, and is exquisitely crafted. Paton's writing is deliberate and simple, which suits the story perfectly. There is no excessive pathos in the language, which keeps the reader objective. I loved many aspects of this book.

The journey leads to the red soil of South Africa. The land is poor. It is the land of old men, old women, and children, but this is their homeland. The maize struggles to grow as tall as a person, but this is their homeland.

The book was on the list of recommended novels by Reza Amir-Khani. Its name caught my attention, and in the bottom shelf of a bookstore, close to the park, it was clearly covered in dust, which made my eyes stop on its title.

Interestingly, the last print of this book dates back to 1994, and it has not been reprinted since.

The story takes place in the fictional South Africa in the early days of industrialization. When the Europeans, the non-native settlers of this country, discovered the minerals and resources of South Africa. They built new cities with European names and pushed the natives into poverty.

A priest, in search of his sister, brother, and son who, after emigrating from the tribe to Johannesburg, had sent a letter to them, becomes a wayfarer in this city. His white-skinned son has been killed, and he gets involved in his son's affairs and problems.

In my opinion, this book is more than a story; it is a voice of protest against what the white-skinned people and their actions and laws have brought upon the natives of South Africa. This book is not anti-colonialist, and no condemnation of the initial European invasion of South Africa is seen in it. But what can be clearly felt in it is what colonialism does to a society. This book is more than a story; it is a solution, a critique of the actions of the Europeans. The author is not against development; he says we had certain behaviors towards the natives that were not right, but we didn't know they were wrong. Now that we know and now that we have seen the consequences, let's correct our behavior. The author criticizes the actions of the Europeans. The native youth become more violent day by day, and the Europeans are against their education. To justify their opposition, they give it a religious color and bring up the subject of fate and God, while the real intention is to make the natives aware of the colonial policies of the Europeans.

In this book, there are various characters, each representing a certain type of thinking in South African society or any other society. Interestingly, this story and the ways of thinking are not exclusive to South Africa, and the similarities between South Africa and countries like ours make reading this book more appealing.

Perhaps this is the saddest and at the same time the most hopeful book I have read. But it is also one of the most beloved ones.

It falls into the category of books that everyone should read.

I thought Cry, the Beloved Country was truly outstanding.

Frankly, the Goodreads summary does a better job extolling its virtues than I could, so I won't try to compete with it. Instead, here are a few thoughts.

First, it's unfathomable to me that it's averaging fewer than 4 stars. It's almost as if the sole determination of a book's value is whether it's a "page-turner." But you'd be doing this book an injustice by reading it too quickly.

Second, I know I've commented about other authors being poetic in their use of language, but I don't remember any of them reaching this level. You can get a sense for what I mean via the Goodreads quote page.

Third, I listened on audio and wow, was Michael York a good narrator! Oddly, I last encountered him as the dandy Count Andrenyi in the 1974 edition of "Murder on the Orient Express" (far superior to the recent version IMO). This is quite a different performance and he's spectacular.

Fourth, there was a quote towards the end that I really wanted to reference in the review, but listening on audio forced me to try to find it online and I failed. It was along the same lines as this quote from the beginning of the book:

The great red hills stand desolate, and the earth has torn away like flesh. The lightning flashes over them, the clouds pour down upon them, the dead streams come to life, full of the red blood of the earth. Down in the valleys women scratch the soil that is left, and the maize hardly reaches the height of a man. They are valleys of old men and old women, of mothers and children. The men are away, the young men and the girls are away. The soil cannot keep them any more.

In particular, I thought that last sentence was terrific.

Finally, lest you think this was a book of poetry without much of a plot, there was a strong story as well. My eyes welled up with tears at least once, which is a testament to both the author and the narrator - books do that to me only rarely. (Notice how I snuck that in at the very end figuring most people would have moved on a long time ago - I'm truthful but not very brave)

Who can prevent the heart from breaking?!

This is a profound and thought-provoking question. The heart is a delicate and sensitive organ, both physically and emotionally.

Sometimes, we encounter various difficulties and setbacks in life that seem to have the power to shatter our hearts. It could be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or failure in achieving our goals.

However, there are those who possess inner strength and resilience. They are able to find ways to heal their broken hearts and move forward.

Some may turn to friends and family for support, sharing their pain and finding comfort in the company of others.

Others may engage in activities that bring them joy and a sense of purpose, such as hobbies, sports, or volunteer work.

Ultimately, the ability to prevent the heart from breaking lies within each of us. It requires courage, determination, and a willingness to face our emotions and overcome the challenges that come our way.

If I could give this 6 stars, I would毫不犹豫地这样做。

This is a magnificent, moving story that truly stands out. It has an extraordinary depth and wisdom that draws you in from the very beginning.

The characters are so well-developed that you feel as if you know them personally. Their emotions and experiences are portrayed with such authenticity that it is impossible not to be moved.

The plot is engaging and full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. You never know what is going to happen next, which makes it impossible to put the book down.

Overall, this is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. It is a testament to the power of great storytelling and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly remarkable read.

The blurb on the back of my copy of Cry, the Beloved Country describes it as “the most famous and important novel in South Africa’s history.” This statement is likely true, and it makes the task of reviewing it seem a bit absurd. Paton doesn't require my approval, yet he receives it regardless.

I first read this book during my school days (I believe most South African children do), and I adored it then. I was somewhat apprehensive that it might not hold up as well now, but there is even more to appreciate now that I am more critical. I recall the language being unusual and formal, and I thought this was because it was written in 1946. However, in reality, the language is significantly influenced by Zulu, as if the dialogue has been directly translated. I also loved the agility with which Paton shifts the narrative voice and the way he restricts the interiority of the characters, so that we truly feel what they are experiencing even if they won't discuss it.

Cry, the Beloved Country is a heart-wrenching story. A rural pastor departs from Ixopo to search for his missing sister and son in Johannesburg and discovers them being torn apart by the tragedies of 20th-century South African poverty, racism, and crime. It is depressing to note how much of this book remains relevant today, but it is also a beautiful story that contains love, forgiveness, and hope. I am very glad that I revisited it.

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In South Africa during the era of apartheid, there were two fathers, one black and one white. Their stories intertwined in a way that was both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.

The son of the white father had become well-known in Johannesburg as a prominent speaker against apartheid. He was loved and respected by both the black and white communities for his courage and his commitment to equality. However, his life was cut short when he was killed by the son of the black man.

The two fathers were left distraught, confused, and suffering. The white father couldn't understand why his son had been killed, and the black father was filled with guilt and remorse for what his son had done. It was a tragedy that affected both families deeply and highlighted the divisions and inequalities that existed in South Africa at that time.

This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and forgiveness in a divided society. It also shows the human cost of apartheid and the need for change. As we read this story, we are left with a sense of sadness and a hope for a better future.

Get the tissues ready, because this is a story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Translation literature is precisely the child of its own era, and the spirit of the late 1940s and early 1950s lives within the text of the book. The hustle and bustle of life, the pursuit of justice, and the love for a lonely and needy land, and even the Semini whose glory has been lost and suffered in the middle of the translation of this book and has been regained, these are the things that do not release us for weeks after reading the book.

The power of translation literature lies in its ability to transport us to another time and place, allowing us to experience the emotions and thoughts of those who lived during that era. It is a window through which we can catch a glimpse of the past and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

As we read this book, we are drawn into a world filled with hope, despair, and everything in between. We witness the struggles and triumphs of the characters, and we are left with a sense of awe and wonder at the resilience of the human spirit. Translation literature truly has the power to move us and change our perspective on life.

**Title: Reading for School**

Reading is an essential activity for school. It helps students gain knowledge, improve their language skills, and develop critical thinking abilities. Whether it's textbooks, novels, or academic papers, reading provides a wealth of information that can enhance a student's learning experience.

For school purposes, reading goes beyond simply looking at words on a page. It requires active engagement, such as highlighting important points, taking notes, and asking questions. This way, students can better understand the material and retain the information for future use.

Moreover, reading for school also exposes students to different perspectives and ideas. It broadens their horizons and allows them to see the world from various angles. This is especially important in today's globalized society, where being able to understand and respect different cultures and viewpoints is crucial.

In conclusion, reading is a fundamental part of the school curriculum. It is a skill that students need to master in order to succeed academically and in life. So, make sure to set aside some time for reading every day and enjoy the benefits that it brings.

3.5

Cry, The Beloved Country is set in South Africa during the dark and divisive era of apartheid.

In the opening section of the book, Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo makes the arduous journey from his peaceful home in the countryside to the bustling and often-dangerous city of Johannesburg. His sole purpose is to locate his wayward sister and son.

As he delves deeper into the city's underbelly, he slowly uncovers the disturbing truth that his son has succumbed to a life of crime. To his horror, he then learns that his son has committed a heinous act - shooting and killing a white man, Mr. Jarvis, during a botched robbery.

Ironically, Mr. Jarvis was a kind-hearted man who was actively working to improve the lives of the native population. These tragic events unfold within the larger context of the chaos and injustice that was rampant in South Africa at that time.

Pastor Kumalo, as the narrator, brings a sense of sad, quiet dignity to the story. However, I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed by the book. It has a certain feel to it, almost like the kind of book that you are reluctantly assigned to read in high school, where the message seems to be force-fed to you, beating you over the head with its obviousness.

Despite this, the book does offer a powerful and poignant look at the human condition and the effects of apartheid on the people of South Africa.

I absolutely love it when books have the power to transport you on a remarkable journey. Over the past month, I have found myself in the captivating landscapes of South Africa. First, I was immersed in The Conservationist by Nadine Gordimer, which offered a unique perspective on the country. Secondly, Trevor Noah's Born a Crime took me on a personal and eye-opening adventure. And now, I have just completed Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. I deliberately saved the best for last, and I must say, I rate this book a solid 4.5 stars.

It is a profound and moving tale about an aging native African parson. He leaves his remote village with a heavy heart, determined to search for his son and sister in Johannesburg. He has not heard from them in a very long time, and his fears are growing. The story delves into themes of loss, as the parson embarks on his arduous search. What he discovers along the way, and how he and those around him are forever changed in the aftermath of his journey, make for a truly compelling narrative.

Whether the country serves as a metaphor for the people, or vice versa, I'm not entirely certain. However, one thing is clear: this book is filled with beautiful, poetic prose that vividly描绘s the tragic conditions of the land. It is symbolic of the decline of the moral society from which the parson hails.

This is a book that I might never have had the opportunity to read were it not for the Goodreads group, Catching Up With the Classics. I am truly grateful to the members of that group for bringing it to my attention. It has been a wonderful and enriching experience.

This book has been like an old newsreel travelogue, transporting me to a different time and place. As I bid a fond farewell to the parson and the vast veld, I look forward to my next journey, which will lead me to another far away but very different subtropical locale - Los Angeles. Interestingly, many of the plants that thrive in South Africa, such as the Agapanthus, also grow there.