Cry the Beloved Country

By Alan Paton

Posted on October 29, 2008 12:00 AM MST by Kasey Heinly

When Stephen Kumalo, Umfindisi, or pastor of a small village church learns that his only son is in trouble, he takes his family’s meager savings and journeys to the nearby city to attempt to bring him home. When he reaches the city, he meets fellow pastor Msimingu, who joins Stephen in his quest. They follow a strange trail, uncovering the path his son took since leaving home to its difficult end.

Not far from Stephen Kumalo’s home, wealthy landowner James Jarvis also receives a call to the city: his son has been murdered. As he begins to grieve, he learns of his son’s passion for Africa and all her people. His heart is moved by the passion that stirred his son, and he looks to find a way to continue that legacy his son left behind.

The story reads differently than probably anything else you’ve ever read. The words have a simple, but mystical feel. The humanity of the story hooked me from page one. This is by far the greatest example of Christianity in action. I actually lent this book to someone after a short discussion about what true Christianity should look like in action as an example of what I believe Christians should be, toward each other, to others, and in their communities. It also has the most amazing ending I’ve ever encountered as well. Full of sorrow for the past and yet in the midst of the dawning of the hope for the future. This is absolutely a must-read.

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