Too Late The Phalarope

Rating:
Summary: Something different to read
Review: In my junior year of high school, I was required to do a research paper on two books. I was looking for something different to read and write about and I came across Alan Paton's novels, "Cry the Beloved Country" and "Too Late the Phalarope". Reading these books, I am aware of the harsh realities of apartheid but was mesmerized by the literary input that Alan Paton wrote of his countrymen and South Africa. Peter was a travesty to himself and to his family. He had an affair with a native and caused a rift between his father and himself. He is forced to confront the reality of how people in society are treated. Frankly, I got a B for the research paper.

Rating:
Summary: Among the greatest works of literature...
Review: In unusual and finely styled language we have sensitive portrayals of many characters and a variety of relationships with the main character Pieter, a larger-than-life hero (called a god by one of the townspeople) who is admired by many but nonetheless cannot ignore "the one misery of [his] life." Apartheid is the environment of this novel, not the focus. The most significant relationship is the one between Pieter and his father Jakob, but crucial to the story are the other father-surrogates: the Captain, Pieter's father-in-law, and most important, his friend Kappie. I have taught this novel to my classes every year for the past twenty-five years or so. I always have students who say to me that it is unlike any other book they have ever read. The book always moves some students to tears. It is truly an unforgettable reading experience.

Rating:
Summary: Intense and Intriguing
Review: This is the first of Alan Paton's books that I have read. I was struck by his Steinbeck-ish style of writing (which is fabulous, of course!) But comparison's aside, Paton has crafted an intriguing and extremely meaningful story. I'll avoid going over the plot but suffice to say there was not a moment when I did not feel a strong connection to the characters and their motivations. The views into Pieter's mind contributed to an intense emotional line through the book. Apartheid was not the focus but through Pieter's entries we can definitely understand the horrors of the situation (and perhaps apply the knowledge to our own situations). Truly an inspirational work! I encourage you to read this book ASAP!

Rating:
Summary: Something different to read
Review: This is the first time I have been so moved by a book that I have written a review of it. When I think of "the lieutenant" and his goodness, his sin, his longing - deep longing - for fulfilled love with his spouse or his father or his G-d, my heart aches. Because of his physical beauty and bearing, others have set him apart. Where is he at home? Not in either of his own homes, not in his own body or mind. Locked in the unforgiving and puritanical society of the Afrikaaners, the lieutenant is doomed to destroy himself and all around him. The characters are multi-layered, fully believable. His Aunt, as narrator, serves as the conscience of the times. She reveals herself as she details the downfall of the family and as she does, she and the captain question man's right to condemn self-righteously - when G-d condemns and then forgives.

Rating:
Summary: emotionally wrenching and beautifully written
Review: This is the first time I have been so moved by a book that I have written a review of it. When I think of "the lieutenant" and his goodness, his sin, his longing - deep longing - for fulfilled love with his spouse or his father or his G-d, my heart aches. Because of his physical beauty and bearing, others have set him apart. Where is he at home? Not in either of his own homes, not in his own body or mind. Locked in the unforgiving and puritanical society of the Afrikaaners, the lieutenant is doomed to destroy himself and all around him. The characters are multi-layered, fully believable. His Aunt, as narrator, serves as the conscience of the times. She reveals herself as she details the downfall of the family and as she does, she and the captain question man's right to condemn self-righteously - when G-d condemns and then forgives.

Rating:
Summary: Intense and Intriguing
Review: What is most remarkable about this book, aside from the fascinating style of language in which it's told, is the fact that apartheid is a "given" in the story. Set in the late '40's-early '50's, it's the story of a God-like young man from a powerful family, who, while outwardly perfect (except for bouts of depression/moodiness) is tortured by his lust. What's nice about reading the book is that the writing is not explicit-it deals more with his wrestling with conscience rather than the lust itself. The apartheid factor weighs heavily on plot, but the author doesn't bemoan the injustice or tragedy of the system, because the narrator is the protagonist's aunt, who has obviously grown up with apartheid and accepts it as fact, with no question. The reader, therefore, comes to their own sense of injustice without having to be told by the author or a character. The result is extremely effective.

I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old, as a great character study and glimpse into a time, not that far gone.