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Cry, the Beloved Country
Cry the Beloved Country
Author: Alan Paton
Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing, nor give too muc...  more »The most famous and important novel in South Africa's history, and an immediate worldwide bestseller when it was published in 1948, Alan Paton's impassioned novel about a black man's country under white man's law is a work of searing beauty. The eminent literary critic Lewis Gannett wrote, "We have had many novels from statesmen and reformers, almost all bad; many novels from poets, almost all thin. In Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country the statesman, the poet and the novelist meet in a unique harmony."Cry, the Beloved Country is the deeply moving story of the Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son, Absalom, set against the background of a land and a people riven by racial injustice. Remarkable for its lyricism, unforgettable for character and incident, Cry, the Beloved Country is a classic work of love and hope, courage and endurance, born of the dignity of man.
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ISBN-13: 9780743261951
ISBN-10: 074326195X
Publication Date: 12/2/2003
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 2

3.3 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Scribner
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 2
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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