****1/2 stars--An Eloquently Written, Insightful and Disturbing Book

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	• Too Late The Phalarope Alan Paton Scribner, 1996 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 13 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Good book

This book was very interesting and very easy too read. My only advice is DO NOT CHOOSE THIS BOOK FOR A RESEARCH PAPER!!! I found it close to impossible to find critical analysis on this book. I enjoyed the story though.

****1/2 stars--An Eloquently Written, Insightful and Disturbing Book

Alan Paton masterfully scripts a young man's descent into a sin that in segregated South Africa was the worst of all sins. Paton writes the narrative from the main character's (Pieter's) Aunt perspective and splices in first person narratives from Pieter's perspective. The Aunt is something of an all-knowing narrator with some limitations.

The novel sort of begins by revealing the conclusion that is also apparent from the novel's description or cover--that the white Lt. commits this grave act. It builds and builds to the final climax of total personal destruction and familial destruction. Paradoxically, there are hints of some type of liberation within the main character that are not really elaborated enough to be more than just hints.

Paton includes much foreshadowing and foreboding leading up to the final act. So it is not a surprise what happens; although, the enormity and devestating effects are.

What Paton has geniusly accomplished in the novel is the absurdity of the lives so many lead that appear moral, noble and successful but are hiding both depravity and suffering. His insights into the relationships and observations of people are a great lesson on male and female souls.

This is disturbing to read but worth it; although the feelings and thoughts I was left with were quite different than I had after reading Cry, the Beloved Country though just as profound.

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Something different to read

In my junior year of high school, I was required to do a research paper on two books. I was looking for something different to read and write about and I came across Alan Paton's novels, "Cry the Beloved Country" and "Too Late the Phalarope". Reading these books, I am aware of the harsh realities of apartheid but was mesmerized by the literary input that Alan Paton wrote of his countrymen and South Africa. Peter was a travesty to himself and to his family. He had an affair with a native and caused a rift between his father and himself. He is forced to confront the reality of how people in society are treated. Frankly, I got a B for the research paper.

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High School Summer Reading

In 10th grade I had to read two books for Global studies and one book for english. For one of my Global books I picked "Too Late The Phalarope". It was a good book, so good in fact that I read it in one day during a car trip. I found the book to be a bit confusing because of the writing style but the plot of the story is what kept me reading. I enjoyed the book so much I will not mind having to go through it a second time so I can take notes on it! This is one book I will look forward to reading again, even if it is just to take notes!

Too Late the Phalarope

A wonderful, wonderful, beautifully written book. It portrays with compassion, grace and understanding, the state of aparteid in South Africa.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

TOO LATE THE PHALAROPE is set in South Africa, as well as its predecessor, CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY. And like that earlier novel, TOO LATE THE PHALAROPE uses the lives of ordinary people to illustrate the inhuman quality of South African apartheid.

Racial segregation is odious in concept, impossible in application. To prove it, Paton tells us the story of Pieter, a white policeman, who has an affair with a native girl. He is betrayed and reported, and thus brings shame on himself and his family.

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