Cry, the Beloved Country

By: Alan Paton

Narrated by: Michael York

This is the most distinguished novel that has come out of South Africa in the 20th century, and it is one of the most important novels that has appeared anywhere in modern times. Cry, the Beloved Country is in some ways a sad book; it is an indictment of a social system that drives native races into resentment and crime; it is a story of Fate, as inevitable, as relentless, as anything of Thomas Hardy's. Beautifully wrought with high poetic compassion, Cry, the Beloved Country is more than just a story, it is a profound experience of the human spirit. And beyond the intense and insoluble personal tragedy, it is the story of the beautiful and tragic land of South Africa, its landscape, its people, and its bitter racial ferment and unrest.

©1948, 1976 Alan Paton (P)1993 Blackstone Audiobooks

Not what I expected

When I got this book, I assumed it would be just an account of atrocities, and although the book could be classified as a tragedy, that's not its whole point. There are many characters who are positive role models dealing with difficult circumstances.

I was also surprised to learn to what extent modern South Africa's problems existed when this book was written.

seiwald

Best audio book I've listened to. I loved the reading and I loved the story. Heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Cry The Beloved Country

Any additional comments?

Cry The Beloved Country is written by Alan Paton and narrated by Michael York. The unabridged audiobook is close to ten hours of listening.

The story isn’t what I expected. It is not a soapbox rant about the Apartheid. In fact, Apartheid is not mentioned. Keep in mind this book was published in 1948; Apartheid wasn’t formally enforced by the government of South Africa until 1948. Although racial segregation is present, it is similar to that of the United States prior to the American Civil War. Acknowledged, accepted, a way of life, and there exists a quiet undercurrent of needed change. In fact, a hero of a Cry The Beloved Country character is Abraham Lincoln. According to the characters of this book, many people, black and white, are opposed to the separateness and financial inequities. The abhorrent poverty of blacks was an abomination given the mining wealth of South Africa, and there were many, including powerful whites, that knew change was needed and inevitable.

This is the background of Cry The Beloved Country. A black man goes on trial for the murder of a white man. This simple plot is the foundation of Paton’s exploration into familial bonds, deep friendships, loyalties, and of course, the upcoming winds of change in South Africa.

The locale of South Africa was the reason, I believe, that Michael York was a choice for narration, given his accent. There is difficulty however, with regard to any changes in the voices of individual characters, particularly noticeable in authenticity of ethnicity. There is no change in the voice when different characters are speaking, men or women, adults or children, blacks or whites. York simply reads the story aloud. For me this takes a bit from the story, in that I was completely unfamiliar with it other than to be aware that Cry The Beloved Country is highly rated and admired. Until Paton explicitly identifies him as so, I had no idea the main character, Reverend Kumalo, was a black man. This is a narration problem, in my opinion. Beyond this, pace and tempo are fine, a decent production.

If you’re looking for an angst-ridden racially motivated diatribe, this book is not for you. If you are interested in a very thought provoking look at 1948-pre-apartheid South Africa, this book is excellent.

A Classic

Rich story. Very insightful on the political history of a region.

Was recommended by a friend, did not disappoint. I recommend it.

Bar-none the best audio book I've ever listened to...

...or expect to listen to. I've listened to many audiobooks and out of those could list several favourites. But this beats them all. Michael York is perfect, matching the humanity, gravity, and poetry of the words. The story is both gut wrenching and life affirming. It is honest about the darkness of life while showing hope where true hope is found.