Sample
  • Cry, the Beloved Country

  • By: Alan Paton
  • Narrated by: Michael York
  • Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,438 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

What listeners say about Cry, the Beloved Country

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Lovely writing and great narrator

This is a lovely story, if a bit slow. It takes it's time and paints a deep picture. The narrator does an excellent job, emphasizing voices and emoting well.

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Wonderful!!

Alan Paton’s words—Michael York’s reading! Bliss! Riveting call for South African reform, with a loving portrait of the land and her people.

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great read of a soulful book

This is a beautiful book written with great love for Africa. Michael York’s reading truly brought the various characters to life. A book that you ponder upon in silence when done.

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Love this book

Where does Cry, the Beloved Country rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Great as far as entertainment. Really transports you.

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Great story. Really pulls you into it.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful poetic novel

Touching and moving book with a deep soul and great heart. Recommended to all who despair of the hatred in the world

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Cry, the Beloved Country a rich blessing

A touching and thought provoking rendition and writing, one listened to again and again for the richness to the soul and spirit. A blessing of profound depth that cannot be well spoken, only felt. May it continue to encourage and challenge each who truly hear...and understand. Thank you for such a gift at such a time as this. January 2017 when life is filled with rage and where only Love can make the way through it well, bearing gifts of redemption in the wake of suffering and sorrow. It is good, remarkably good.

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Wonderful book!

Beautiful story, beautifully read. I highly recommend it to anyone parcial to great literature. Astounding.

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Poetry perfectly narrated

One of the most beautifully written novels I have ever encountered, read perfectly to make the whole book sound like a song. The writing is insightful and poetic. The story conveys hope and faith even through the misery of poverty, politics and exploitation. A must read (or in this case, listen).

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Great book and performance!!

My teenage boys and I read this book for school and we all loved it! Great performance!!

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Still hope for South Africa

The book was written well and read well. It is sad to witness the many problems of corruption and fear in South Africa today as well back when this book was written. There is hope for the future with better education and honest government leadership.

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