Preview
  • Cry, the Beloved Country

  • By: Alan Paton
  • Narrated by: Michael York
  • Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,442 ratings)

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Cry, the Beloved Country

By: Alan Paton
Narrated by: Michael York
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Publisher's summary

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.

Public Domain (P)1993 Blackstone Audiobooks
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What listeners say about Cry, the Beloved Country

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    1,568
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    512
  • 3 Stars
    228
  • 2 Stars
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Performance
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    34

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Absolutely Wonderful

If you could sum up Cry, the Beloved Country in three words, what would they be?

Beautiful, Mesmerizing, Thoughtful

What did you like best about this story?

I loved everything about the story, but the narration was stellar.

What does Michael York bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Michael York has a voice like velvet.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I read the book many years ago, but my own voice in my head didn't come close to the story that Michael York told me.

Any additional comments?

Even if you've read the book, listen to this version. I will definitely listen again and am thinking of gifting friends with this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

beautifully written beautifully spoken!

the pacing and expression--exquisite! it was somber joy to listen to this majestic and powerful story. wish I could imbed its beauty empathy and compassion in every young mind

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

beautifully written

Michael York's performance was simply magnificent. worth listening just for him alone. But the book is must read for everyone.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Important story

Beautifully written and read. I read this book a few years ago but now really enjoyed the audio version. Thank you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best book to which I have ever listened

What did you love best about Cry, the Beloved Country?

A toss up between the beautiful, broad story and the beautiful warm narration

What other book might you compare Cry, the Beloved Country to and why?

The Spike Lee movie "Do the Right Thing:

What about Michael York’s performance did you like?

A voice perfect for the characters and his lovely use of Zulu terms. One of the reasons I love audio books is the ability to hear foreign language. Zulu seems to be a beautiful, expressive language.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No...I never wanted it to end. I eagerly awaited every opportunity to listen

Any additional comments?

This is a title I have often heard recommended but I thought it had to do with rebellion, violence and protest. I had no idea it would be such a beautiful, loving, honest story of the struggle to change , both personally and in a culture.

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Extraordinary performance

If you could sum up Cry, the Beloved Country in three words, what would they be?

This is one of the the most extraordinary narrations I have ever hear. Truly brings this moving story to life. Highly highly recommended!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

poignant work

Beautifully written, memorable work. This book is probably a classic; if not, it should be. Michael York is one of my favorite readers. Excellent novel...educational as well as entertaining! Paton's novel is now on my list of all-time favorites.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent narration for an amazing story

Michael York’s narration of this book makes it one of the best audio books I have ever listened to. It is a gripping story of complex relationships across generational, socioeconomic, and racial lines. It’s a rare book that I want to listen to again just after finishing it!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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What a Story!

Why have I never read this before? A classic story of mankind, never fully evil or fully good. And of the heartbreaking story of Africa.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

INJUSTICE

Well the book was really inferesting story but the part that was injustice was when they let the other 2 accomplices.

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