A Man Cannot Cry

by Gloria Keverne

He Was a brilliant Doctor and a Man of Powerful Needs and Desires. Dr. Than Profane had come to the Quaker mission in Africa to see his dying father. His decision to stay could change not only his life but the lives of everyone he touches. Accepted at first by the small community, Than's brash, American ways, his appetite for life and love and his open contempt for hypocrisy quickly made him the center of controversy. He wouldn't accept an eighteenth century way of living when he knew that twentieth century technology could save so many lives. This engrossing and unforgettable epic weaves together one man's conflicting fascinations and ambitions with the natives and the harsh reality of their lives and with the missionaries, steadfast to the faithful but brutally unforgiving to those who transgress. There were two worlds and through Than Profane they inevitably collided. "Long, rich and detailed, it is a wonderful book!' -THE WASHINGTON POST"... in the grand tradition of Gone with the Wind and The Thornbirds!' -THE LONDON DAILY EXPRESS

Genres: Historical Fiction

610 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Empi Baryeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there were more than 5 stars, I'd give all to this book. it is by far my favourite book.

A Man Cannot Cry by Gloria Keverne is a multi-cultural epic, set in southern Africa, that tells the story of a young white doctor, Than Profane. After the death of his father in the land formerly known as Rhodesia (now Zambia), he settles among the quaker missionaries. Among these is his father's widow, nearly the same age as Than and a blind girl he falls in love with.

The story took Gloria Keverne 20 years to research and the result is a 610-page masterpiece that weaves together the lives, hopes and beliefs of both the western missionaries and the African natives, and the one man who affected both sides. The incredible depth of her protagonist's character is sure to capture readers' minds.

Here's a quote from the book that left me breathless with admiration for Gloria craftmanship:

"For suddenly, sillently as shadow, Than Profane was among them, materializing out of darkness and panic as seraphically alluring as the son of God. In all that hot havoc, he had a stabilising presence as solid as rock, the solemn sunburnt face ballasted with a tranquil strength, his bare sweat-glazed torso looking like some tall copper hewn statue, standing in odd tribute to himself."
(Gloria Keverne, A Man Cannot Cry)

I don't know how many times I've read that passage, but it always gives me goosebumps. This is my absolute all-time favourite book; a definite must read (no, you can't borrow my copy - don't trust you to bring it back).

[Stuart Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best. Book. Ever. I think there is more to this book than meets the eye. Read it all in 8 days and its my second time reading this book. If this book had a soundtrack it would be that song ' Africa' by 'Toto'. The ending had me in an mixed emotional state - the send off Than received and him returning to say bye to his muse Jenny. Does anyone have any info about the author? A sequel could be great - maybe having the boy come back to his beloved suseshi in a politically changed Northen Rhodesia thats more accommodating.

I posted a topic on Characterisation and analysis of Themes in ' A man cannot cry' feel free to air your views on characterization, use of literal devices and themes there

[Tracey Canter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Man cannon cry is a story about Than Profane an "All American" aethiest Doctor working in Los Angeles who travels to Africa to his estranged Quaker missionary father's death bed. Following the death of his father the mission is desperate for a doctor and Than Profane reluctantly agrees to stay while they find a replacement. The book follows his own journey of enlightenment and portrays a 1960's Africa on every level, with stunning clarity. It's just a great shame that this has never been made into a film as it would surely be a blockbuster hit!

[Meconti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was not sure where it was going initially but turned out to be very captivating.

[Tian Loedolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the best books, if not the best, I've ever read. I could not put the book down, was captivated for days. I'll definitely recommend it... The only person that will give this book a one star, is the woke...

[Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I ever read.

[Marko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Gisele Samson-Verreault · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best historical novels I have read

[Bonginkosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book ever, The main character, Than Profane is dedicated to his work, at the sametime he is in love with Susana. That lady lacks of respect and act immodestly in time..

[Nas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there was a higher rating I could give to this book. An utterly delicious, mesmerizing, all-consuming read.
The world we are taken into is one so meticulously created, I feel I have lived in the Quaker mission, fallen in love with a handsome Doctor and experienced life in Africa in a time of political turmoil, without ever leaving my couch. One of my absolute favorite novels. Thank you Gloria Keverne.

[Louise Brummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a marathon read.... must admit did not enjoy all the politics in the book - history kind, but those from that area would enjoy the in depth description.Loved the story and the selfless dedication of Gods people (some not so much) to help educate and help the Africans of Africa. It shows me again and again togeather we can achive great things but alone not so much!!!!! Wish we could all learn from history in stead of just repeating the same mistakes over and over xxx

[Tony Sims]

I lived in Africa for nearly 20 years so this book's historical account of the Political maneuvers that lead to Zambia becoming independent were familiar to me .

The books main character one Dr "Boy" was a implausible character but likeable non the less .

This book probably could be categorized under "The bodice ripper" banner . Non the less an entertaining read that held attention until the last page

[The Reading Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ces trois étoiles sont pour 1) l'aspect historique très intéressant sur l'indépendance de la Rhodésie et 2) la description de la vie des missionnaires en Afrique (en l'occurrence, ici, les Quakers) et des humanitaires en Afrique au temps où on la qualifiait de "coloniale".

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the eighty's. I LOVED the story. I have tried to research the author for years. It was such a great book!

[Mirna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absorbed me totally. Very captivating and romantic, with enough history, adventure, passion and nature to set the stage.