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Cry, The Beloved Country
Cry The Beloved Country
Author: Alan Paton
Cry, the Beloved Country is a beautifully told and profoundly compassionate story of the Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son Absalom, set in the troubled and changing South Africa of the 1940s. The book is written with such keen empathy and understanding that to read it is to share fully in the gravity of the characters' situations. It both t...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780684818948
ISBN-10: 0684818949
Publication Date: 1995
Rating:
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 82

3.6 stars, based on 82 ratings
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

goodyarns avatar reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on
Helpful Score: 6
I didn't know what to expect, having heard so little about this book prior to reading it. Cry, The Beloved Country surpassed my best hopes.

The lyrical writing style was soulful and emotional, yet still allowing plot and setting to be easily discerned.

The events of this story were clearly important to the time and place it was set, but of historical importance as well. The relationships of the characters is what turned this novel from one of importance to one of great beauty. I wish I had the words to describe the book well enough to get you to read it. I hope you do.
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 66 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
A wonderful story of apartheid in South Africa through the eyes of a white man and an old black pastor. It helps us understand what happened there. Excellent!!
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on
Helpful Score: 4
Simply an amazing novel. Paton gives great insight into life in South Africa. A must read.
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Reminded me a lot of The Grapes of Wrath in writing style, of course the notes at the beginning admit that Paton was influenced by Steinbeck's work and I had just read it.
jazzysmom avatar reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 907 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
It does not take a lot of words to review this read--Fantastic!!! Everyone should read it just once in their life time.
Read All 48 Book Reviews of "Cry The Beloved Country"

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reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 33 more book reviews
Interesting read
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 51 more book reviews
This book can be intimidating from the onset due to the authentic dilaect used. As in many of Mark Twain's writings, once the reader familiarizes herself/himself with it, you won't put it down.
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 17 more book reviews
Awesome book!
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 15 more book reviews
one of the best books i have ever read
Cassidy62 avatar reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 4 more book reviews
I have three copies of this book. Let me know if you are interested in more than one copy. I didn't read the book but my children had to read it for school.
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 628 more book reviews
It was a difficult read emotionally, but provided an excellent picture of what apartheid was really like in South Africa.Some of it I knew, some I suspected, but it really hit home in these times of great division, and as we are brought to realize how races have been exploited and suppressed.I had to read it a little at a time to have time to digest it.
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 3 more book reviews
Beautifully written and exceptional story - a must read.
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 18 more book reviews
I really had a hard time reading this book. It is my friends favorite and I just couldn't get into to it.
reviewed Cry, The Beloved Country on + 3 more book reviews
Even if you know nothing about African history and apartheid, this book is extremely thought-provoking. The story is heart-breaking, but the beauty of simple human kindness between characters leaves the reader feeling hopeful.

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