Cry, the Beloved Country

By: Alan Paton

Narrated by: Michael York

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

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

Wonderful!

A beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption. Great pain can lead to great healing to our souls.

lyrical

This is a novel more beautiful than I remembered. Michael York gives a wonderful narration.

Still lovely and heartbreaking

At first I was not sure I would like the narration, but York’s Afrikaner won me over. The pacing is excellent, the pronunciation clear and confident, and he handles Paton’s stylistic repetition of descriptive passages beautifully. The voicing of characters is distinctive, helping the listener keep them straight. The story and characters are unforgettable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

A wonderful book, one of the best I've ever read!

Would you consider the audio edition of Cry, the Beloved Country to be better than the print version?

Apples and oranges. This was very well performed, but for me audiobooks are mainly a way to read when I'm commuting, cleaning, cooking, etc. The main thing is the text.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Steven Kumalo, the main character. A true Christian.

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

He speaks very tenderly, which is appropriate for this book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many of them. The bishop's visit brought me to tears. It is a very, very good book, very sober and hard in places, but full of wisdom, and crafted very well, so that it has a sense of completeness. Also of great historical interest. And of great moral interest.

Suzanne

One of the best books I’ve ever read in my life. Michael York did a wonderful job conveying the characters’ personalities.
This gentle, moving book should be on every reading list developed for students in high school and beyond.

Two Words

How do you rate a classic novel of all time, that is well read, but the narrator gets the names wrong?

"Sophiatown" is NOT promounced SOfiah-town, but so-FIRE-town.

"Veld" is pronounced felt (as in heartfelt).

These words occur often throughout the novel, and every time they are used I wince. Do these audiobook publishers do NO RESEARCH at all? Is it really OK to mangle the Afrikaans quotes so badly that one has to burst out laughing? Is it OK to have a phony accent that makes a South African cringe? I have lived in Johannesburg all my life and I never heard anyone speaking like the white man from the reformatory.

So, Michael York's narration skill gets 5, but subtract 2 for bad research. The story gets 5+, and is worth listening to. It's a great novel. Unfortunately a lot of what Alan Paton wrote in 1948 is still applicable 60 years later. SA is now a democracy, and Apartheid is no longer law, but the crime in Johannesburg is still just as bad, and there are still squatter settlements and poor people being exploited.

Cry the Beloved Country

I first read this book in high school. I entered it uninterested and slightly rebellious. But Paton drew me in. At times I couldn't follow what was going on, I was a mere 17. But years later, I remember this book. This is a book that demands a second visit and a renewed look at man's treatment of man.

True Life in Africa

I only listened to this book because it was an Oprah book pick. I?m glad I did. The story weaves back and forth and really comes together at the end. You see the story of two families at opposing ends of the same situation and at opposite ends of South African societal privilege. It sounded like an older recording, but was still palatable.

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.

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