My dad recently asked for my favorite book, and I said Cry the Beloved Country, although it’s been at least 10 years since I last read it. He immediately took the time to read it himself, and said he enjoyed it and could see why it’s my favorite. I decided this was all a sign it was time to give it a reread, and just finished it tonight completely in tears. It’s still my favorite, even though it breaks your heart again and again. It’s strange that I’m attracted to deeply religious books, as a person who doesn’t really believe in God. But to me, it’s about the beauty of nature, forgiveness, and doing what we can to make things better than we found them.

Deserves to be a classic. Great story, captivating narrative style, important topic and themes.

Cry, the beloved country for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply, let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veldt with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing, nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him of all, if he gives too much.

This is said to be the most important and well-known novel from South Africa. It is the powerful and heart-wrenching story of a Zulu man leaving home to find his lost son and sister in Johannesburg. He approaches tragedy with grace and, fitting with his role as a Christian pastor, blesses those he encounters.

It is a moving story of racism and redemption. Hopeful, but devastating that this book was written when the worst of the legalized racism started in 1948. Even with this book bringing bold awareness of the horrific consequences, legal Apartheid continued for more than 40 years.

This book is almost scriptural in tone and cadence. The dialogue seems intentionally stilted, possibly to indicate literal translations from Zulu to English. The narrative has interludes of poems and songs that gave voice to the feelings of the people.

[b:The Orphan Master's Son|11529868|The Orphan Master's Son|Adam Johnson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327878601l/11529868._SX50_.jpg|16467838] by Adam Johnson. An orphan stumbles into a minor position of power as he becomes the body double for a North Korean official. A satirical thriller with attempted rebellion in the world’s most obscure dictatorship under Kim-Jong Il.

[b:Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry|310459|Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Logans, #4)|Mildred D. Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388345167l/310459._SY75_.jpg|1165554] by Mildred Taylor. This middle grade Newbery medal winner carries the same themes of connection to the land, living with courage and dignity under segregation in Jim Crow Mississippi. I first read it 30 years ago and it still comes to mind often.

I think Stacy recommeneded this to me and I loved it!!

This book is as much as a 'must-read' as The Grapes of Wrath in my opinion. It is very well written and contains many important messages. It's an eye opener as well as a hope giver- a book that can touch your emotions.

There are reasons why classics are classics. This is a hauntingly beautiful story that has the reader fully committed from page one. Of course it is also a fantastically clever representation of South Africa’s struggle through Apartheid and mid century racial issues.
We follow pastor Kumalo as he searches for his sister and son in sprawling Johannesburg. He is lost in his simple ways and lack of understanding of this new city. As his search unfolds, the plight of the young native in Johannesburg, becomes far too personal.
It was a quick read and absolutely elegant. There is no wonder as to why it is so highly acclaimed.

Incredibly moving and beautifully written