Cry, the Beloved Country (Barron's Book Notes)

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Summary: Some foreigners have a wrong view of South Africa
Review: I am studying at the Uviversity of Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA, and are doing Cry the Beloved Country as a literature text. I think it is an excellent book which gives great insight on the situation in South Africa a few years ago. However, when I read the review of Melissa T. from West Bloomfield, MI, I was shocked to see that she actually thought that Stephen Kumalo travelled through "all parts of Africa" to look for his sister and son. He just got on the train at Carisbrooke and went straight to Johannesburg, one of the main cities in South Africa. The description of all the places they passed on their way to Johannesburg might have confused her, but I just wanted to set straight the fact that Africa is a large and diverse country, and not just the size of South Africa.

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Summary: Cry, The Beloved Country was a very fascinating novel!!!
Review: I liked the book of Cry, The Beloved Country. The begining of the book was a little confusing, but then when I began to understand more of what was going on, I began to like the book. The book demonstrates the racism that existed in South Africa and how different types of people were treated. The book is about a parson from Ndotsheni who went to the city of Johannesburg to find some members of his family, who have moved there. Most of the book explains what happens while the man is in that city, and what happens afterwards when he comes home to his country. This book would seem like an interesting book to someone who likes to read about segregation and family life. This book is an exciting adventure, which includes many interesting suprises and evens. Overall, I learned many facts about South Africa and the life that people have there, while reading Cry, The Beloved Country.

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Summary: This novel was an excellent portrayel of Apartheid in Africa
Review: This novel paints a vivid picture of the tragic injustices that occurred in South Africa long ago. It portrays the life of a native man as he struggles to reclaim his old life. Umfundisi, reverend Kumalo's blind eyes are exposed to the dreaded reality of famine, fear, and inferiority. Kumalo ventures to Johannesburg to rejuvenate his lost sister and find his son Absalom. Through his triumphs and disappointments he clearly sees the ways of life and becomes consumed by them. His life begins to crumble, but his hope for the country grows. After descrimination, lies, murder, and betrayel, the only rejuvenation that will be done is the renovation of a country in trouble. This book's symbolic message moved me greatly on account of its horrible truth. It displays descrimination of the past and how it thrives through the future. This is a bold book that opens eyes and minds, but will leave your mouth closed.