Alan Paton, b.1903, d.1988. Mr. Paton is the South African author of at least three novels: Cry, the Beloved Country, Too Late the Phalarope, and Ah, But Your Land Is Beautiful. All three are well worth your reading time. Previous Alan Paton birthday posts:
Alan Paton and Cry, the Beloved Country.
Alan Paton’s other two novels.
If you like Cry, the Beloved Country, you should definitely read Paton’s other two novels. Then, you might also like these books, somewhat similar in style and/or subject matter.
Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya is the story of Rukmani, the fourth daughter in a poor family in India. Her life, as she and her family become poorer and poorer, is still a life of dignity even in the most impoverished circumstances.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger is also, like Cry, the Beloved Country, about love and forgiveness and about a prodigal son and the lengths to which a father will go to reclaim that son.
River Rising by Athol Dickson is similar to Cry, the Beloved Country in that it deals in a redemptive way with race and race relations, but the setting is Louisiana in the 1920’s.
Try any or all of these, but first, if you’ve never read Cry, the Beloved Country, do so. I highly recommend it.
I’ve read Cry, the Beloved Country and loved it. I’ve never read the other two books by him, but will certainly endeavor to get request them from the library now.
I only read Cry, the Beloved Country last year. But the words, Go well, stay well have entered our family lexicon. Our family watched the movie and really enjoyed it. I just purchased Too Late, the Phalarope and am eager to dive in when it arrives.
Paton is marvelous! Too Late the Phalarope is one of my all-time favorites.