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Title: A Haunting Novel of S. Africa
Review: I am a fan of J.M. Coetzee. Of all his books, I found this one the most difficult reading.It is an allegorical tale of a young, somewhat isolated and intellectually slow man who wheels his mother across the South African landscape in the midst of a civil war. This man, Michael K, innocently becomes the victim of a time and circumstance he does not understand and has not participated in molding. Actually, he is a recipient and victim of these circumstances throughout his life.The ending, which deals with his self-sufficiency and gardening, along with his ultimate demise at the hands of the 'system' is beautifully described through the eyes of a physician.The book is both stark and poetic at the same time. I recommend Disgrace: A Novel orIn the Heart of the Country: A Novel if you are new to this author. They are both more accessible than 'The Life and Times of Michael K".
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