Disgrace
J M Coetzee
A horribly depressing book about South Africa. The protagonist goes to stay with his daughter. He's in disgrace after seducing one of his students. His daughter is raped and he is beaten and set alight by three black men. His daughter decides that no one is to know about the rape even when one of the culprits moves in next door. It is accepted by everyone that no one will be punished for the crime. The author seems to be telling us that there is very little chance that white people will be able to live happily if at all with their black neighbours.
Doreen 21/5/00
More straightforward than the author's 'Life and times of Michael K'. A
hopeless story - the main character is in a downward spiral of hopelessness,
punishing himself following an affair with one of his students. He goes to
live with his daughter and they are attacked. The daughter is raped. A
metaphor for the downfall of South Africa? Would be interesting to discuss
the book with someone from South Africa to get their perspective.
Andrew 23/7/00
By the same author
The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.