Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Interesting book. It was not really that entertaining or suspenseful; it was not the type of book that you could not put down. It was historically-based, but I just got tired of the African history, blaming all the problems with black crime on the oppressive whites, who keep the black man under his thumb purposefully because they fear that if one were to educate a black man, trouble would surely follow. I don't know, I find this theory a little crazy, especially when debating about the problems with crime. Here was this confessed black man who shot and killed a white man while attempting to rob his home: it is a little far-fetched to blame this violent action on the rich, oppressive white man. However, I did find this book extremely moving at times, especially the scenes where . Theophilus Msimangu helps Kumalo to find his son, where James Jarvis sends the milk to the starving African children, and finally the scene where Rev. Stephen Kumalo receives the letter informing him that Jarvis wished to rebuild the Church for the African people of Ndotsheni in the honor of his deceased son's name. The irony is deeply felt because here is a white man who has been murdered by a black man, and he has been a champion for the rights of the blacks. The forgiveness Jarvis shows the blacks after his son was killed by one is tender and heartfelt.

There is one line which really sticks out: "Fear always impoverishes, while sorrow may enrich." I don't know whether I like being enriched, but I certainly have learned more from my trials. My good friend, Christina deJong, taught me about the danger of having the fear of death around the time that I was reading this chapter, and like the book says, "Fear always impoverishes." We need to avoid having fear of anything -- death or what you will.

This book poses an interesting question. Is it healthy for the parents of a murdered victim to hold a grudge, and want revenge on everything and anything. James Jarvis was a great example of a parents willing to forgive and show never ending compassion.