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The Conservationist
272 pages, 1983
fiction
1382 booksMehring has everything he ever wanted. But when his wife is killed in an accident, his son begins to rebel against Mehring’s world. And when a disciple of the Reverend Mangena tries to set up an alternative farm nearby and incite others to join him, Mehring’s workers desert him for Mangena’s camp. Even the land turns hostile, with drought destroying his crops and then a flash flood on Christmas Eve destroying their farmhouse. Managing only to rescue a few servants and his mistress, who has become surrogate mother for his young daughter, Mehring find himself ruined and forced out onto the road—where he may yet find that the only thing worse than having all your possessions taken from you is being stripped of hope…
Nadine Gordimer's The Conservationist gives us a deep look into the apartheid era in South Africa. It's a great way to understand the social and political climate of the time. You'll see the world through the eyes of a wealthy white businessman and his black workers, giving you a unique perspective on the racial divide.
The Conservationist is not just about politics. It's also a study of human nature. Gordimer explores the complexities of her characters, their motivations, and their flaws. You'll find yourself questioning your own beliefs and actions as you dig into the story.
If you're a fan of literary fiction, you'll love Gordimer's writing style. She uses rich, evocative language to paint a vivid picture of the South African landscape and the lives of her characters. It's a great book to check out if you want to improve your own writing or just appreciate a beautifully written story.
The Conservationist is a powerful reminder of the social injustices that still exist in the world today. Gordimer's portrayal of the apartheid era is a call to action for readers to stand up against discrimination and inequality. It's a book that will make you think and hopefully inspire you to make a difference.
The title of the book, The Conservationist, is a metaphor for the main character's attempt to preserve his way of life in the face of change. Gordimer uses this theme to explore the idea of conservation in a broader sense, including the conservation of power, wealth, and social status. It's a thought-provoking take on a topic that's still relevant today.
