Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Genre: Realistic fiction

Published: Published 1948, 320 pgs.

Book club

Review: 5/5 stars

I read this book in a very short time period because I procrastinated but I really wanted to finish it before book club. I wish I had had more time to savor it because it is a beautiful book. Cry, The Beloved Country tells the story of Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo as he travels to Johannesburg in search of his sister and son who have not been heard from in many months. The setting is South Africa in the 1940's, a time of change and great racial tensions. It is a beautiful tale of compassion and forgiveness as well as a heart-breaking story of hate and prejudice. The dialogue is so simple and straight-forward but I found it to be profound and conveyed such feeling and meaning. I think this book is wonderful for learning more about the struggles of South Africa but is also very pertinent to our lives today.

Rating: 1.2.1 There are some references to prostitution, mild descriptions of violence, and some mild profanity (Biblical in nature).

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Rating: 3.3.3 - This is a rough estimate on the rating because I haven't read it for a while. It's also probably an overestimate as it may be more like 2.2.2 but I don't want anyone who picks it up to be surprised if I'm not remembering well enough. I think it would be PG-13 if it were a movie.

Recommended audience: Mature teens to adult

Category: Historical with some romance

5 Stars

This story begins in 1959 when a minister takes his wife and four daughters to the Belgian Congo where, in his view, he plans to save the heathens and savages from themselves. The story is told in first person accounts by each of the daughters and their mother. This book is beautifully written. I was so impressed by Barbara Kingsolver's abilities as a writer. I know some people have had a hard time getting into this book but I think it is totally worth the effort. Warning: This is not a cheery book. Read it for the beauty of the writing, the knowledge about African history you will learn, and perhaps a new appreciation of other cultures, customs and traditions that you may not have ever thought about.