A very serious and sobering look at both South Africa and, maybe more poigantly, at the human situation. I finished it a few weeks ago, but there are a few things that have stuck with me. One is an insight that fear is worse than devastation. I can't even remember which character is the mouthpiece, but the idea is expounded that with devastation, you are at liberty to move on, to make the best of the situation, to mourn your loss even. But before that, when the outcome is uncertain, there is no rest. When I think about even comparably trivial concerns, left unresolved they are worse than a poor outcome.
I liked the depiction of Kumalo, especially in his shortcomings. Most notably, his first meeting with his daughter in law and later in his final meeting with his brother, you see the weakness he carries around with him. Paul tells us the same story in Romans 7, "I do the very thing I hate."
The end of part two is by far the best. I thought Kumalo's perspective on Absalom's last days brought me terrible catharsis, especially their last meeting, and also the last scene when Kumalo's awaiting sunset.
If anybody knows anything about the Appartheid (sp?), I'm fairly ignorant of the current events surrounding the action. I would appreciate a post.
Evan