In a Province

by Laurens van der Post

Last year the rain went away. It became very dry; there was no water and the sun killed the crops of my father.Leaving the kraal and misty Valley of a Thousand Hills, Kenon has come to Port Benjamin in search of work. In Johan he finds a master and a friend. For a time it seems their unorthodix friendship can break down the barrier between black and white. But storm clouds are gathering and the forces of love and politics will explode into tradedy.

Genres: Fiction, Africa

Paperback

First published January 1, 1934

About the author

Sir Laurens Jan van der Post was a 20th Century South African Afrikaner author of many books, farmer, war hero, political adviser to British heads of government, close friend of Prince Charles, godfather of Prince William, educator, journalist, humanitarian, philosopher, explorer, and conservationist.

Reviews

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Laurens Van Der Post. He is one of my favourite authors. This is his very first book, published in 1934 and one I had never read before. He is very descriptive and it is easy to see the places and people as he describes them. I find his writing of an intellectual style of prose and sometimes I admit to rereading some of his paragraphs more than once in order to process and digest all that he has to offer. He makes you work to really get to grips with what I feel he is trying to teach the reader with his principles for life. More importantly, Laurens Van Der Post makes you think! Highly recommended.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meer een politiek statement dan een goede roman. De personages zijn erg stereotype. Wel een interessant tijdsbeeld. Ik las het tegelijk met 'Cry, the beloved country' van 10 jaar later en ook uit Zuid-Afrika. Ook hier de corumperende invloed van de grote stad op de 'natives' die uit een landelijk dorp komen.

[Jason Prodoehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book, but it was so well written and thought-provoking, and the story so engaging, I read it rather quickly. A novel that takes place in colonial Africa, it explores the hardships of growing up of a young man who lost his parents in World War I (I believe), and his friendship with a black man, and the struggles both face. This book was published in the 1930s, and is just as relevant today in terms of race, politics, and living.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of lvdp's first books shows much promise. I will reread lvdp's books.