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" Fantastic, life-changing story of black and white, rich and poor, city and village, justice and compassion in South Africa. Should have read this one years ago...Alan Paton's lyrical, simple weaving of the story stops one in the tracks of their busy life and compels one to think about some of life's deepest issues (Yes that sounds cliche, but it's true for this one!). This book encouraged me to more of a life of self-examination. Don't judge a person by their appearance, class, race, or region! "
- Philip, 2/14/2014
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" Beautiful. A piece of poetry, and mercy, and secrets, and wonderment. "
- Carrie, 2/10/2014
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" Captivating book with overarching Christian themes, focused on redemption and human dignity. Set in Apartheid South Africa from the perspective of a pastor. Poetically written, leaving lasting impressions about nature, imagery, and the inner feelings of characters. Many well-placed themes, like dark versus light. I remember specific descriptions in the book and it was 7 years ago that I read it! One of my favorite books from high school: I enjoyed it so much I read it twice within the assigned time. Will definitely read again! The book is just beautiful. "
- cristina, 1/29/2014
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" If I could give this 6 stars I would... a magnificent, moving story with extraordinary depth and wisdom. "
- Clare, 1/26/2014
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" This book was a lot better than I expected. The first couple of chapters are not that great, but don't let that stop you - it does get better. "
- KateLin, 1/22/2014
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" Very powerful account of racism in South Africa, written immediately before the introduction of Apartheid. "
- Cara, 1/21/2014
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" It made me sad to realize that I really liked a book that was chosen for the Oprah's Book Club. "
- Trevor, 1/20/2014
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" Listened to the book on tape. Micheal York narrated - great reading of a timeless classic! "
- Deb, 1/8/2014
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" Gloriously written; the politics is almost an afterthought. Highly recommended. "
- Nick, 1/6/2014
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" I read this in my freshman english class. Our teacher was attending to her sick mother at the time so we had substitutes teaching us the book... and by "teach" I mean "giving us worksheets to fill out." Perhaps it was just the circumstances under which I read it, but I don't recall liking this book. "
- Zack, 12/14/2013
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" A beautifully written life changing story. It changed the way I think about the world, and the way people are treated. Makes me unbelievably thankful to have the life I've been given. "
- Michelle, 11/27/2013
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" Read years ago, a lasting impression. "
- Phyllis, 10/25/2013
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" one of the best books I've ever read. A father's quest to find his lost son leads him on an improbable journey. the book is filled with tragedy and redemption. a worthwhile read. "
- Jon, 10/7/2013
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" Not just factual, still personal. A little hard to get into at first. "
- Kristina, 9/27/2013
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" There is an almost lyrical quaility to the way this book reads. it is a beautiful but sad story. Definitely worth the read, but a slow starter and something you can put down and come back to. "
- Dianna, 6/29/2013
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" One of my favorites describing South Africa and its metamorphosis during colonial years. "
- Benj, 5/6/2013
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" Very profound book, good read. Took me a while to get thru it because I wanted/needed to ponder lots of things in it as I read, and needed to do Wiki searches on lots of background info about Africa to understand the context of the story. I absolutely recommend this very hopeful book to everyone. "
- Danny, 3/30/2013
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" I know the message was good--but I just couldn't really get into it. "
- Bret, 9/25/2012
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" An almost poetic story of Africa. Though read many decades ago, it left a lasting impression. "
- Jim, 6/27/2012
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" The language is beautiful. The story is slow-paced and so well done. Everything about this book is just right. "
- Laura, 4/6/2012
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" The prose is simple and beautiful. Cry, the Beloved Country is full of raw, understated emotion. Sad and mournful, hopeful and moving. Reminds me of Plainsong. "
- Ben, 1/15/2012
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" I'm not going to deny that this book makes valid and poignant points about society and injustice, but my gracious is it a boring read. We had to read it for school, and I really did not enjoy it. "
- Aquene, 11/17/2011
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" This is the first book I actually read cover-to-cover as an assignment in AP Lit. To be honest, I have a terrible memory and can't remember much about the story. But I liked it enough to buy it. Now I need to reread it. "
- Julianne, 9/22/2011
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" Really good, although I try really hard not to read books this depressing. "
- Joanna, 9/11/2011
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" Novel as beautiful and impressive.
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- Manar, 6/20/2011
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" A little dull but the message really hits home. It shed a lot of light on the historical accuracy in South Africa. There is a lot of patterns of family, friendship, ect.
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- Isabella, 6/16/2011
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" I loved this book, it took me to Africa and had me living there while I was reading the book. It's was nice to know that others have national pride even though there country and circumstances aren't the best.
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- Shelly, 6/16/2011
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" HATED reading this book. Apartheid is such a deep subject for a sophomore in HS to truly understand and process.
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- Alexis, 6/9/2011
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" Set in 1940s in South Africa this is a good representation of the challenges of a society upended by change and how people even through tragedy can change their own outlooks and the policies of others for the greater good.
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- Lisa, 6/9/2011
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" This is one of my favorite books. The diction is moving and beautiful, and Paton's social commentary is subtle yet powerful. It's what first made me interested in social justice.
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- Chrisanne, 6/8/2011
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" Loved this book. Beautifully written. Beautiful story.
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- Robin, 6/6/2011
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" Fantastic book, I learned so much about South Africa prior to Apartheid. The story was tragic and had alot of symbolism from the authors life. He delved into very deep issues of race, politics, religion and family.
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- Angie, 6/5/2011
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" I remember reading this at SAS. I believe it was my V Form year, but I am not certain. I do not recall the story.
I was reminded of this book just now from the FB feed of the school. Apparently, nearly 30 years later, it is the all-school reading selection this year.
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- Robert, 6/3/2011
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" Now I know why I didn't finish it when I first tried to read it. So difficult to get through.
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- Anna, 6/2/2011
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