WHEN RAIN CLOUDS GATHER

by Bessie Head ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1969

The author is among the few who recognizes that the illiterate are not necessarily stupid. The African characters in this slim novel might be any country's rural poor insofar as their ability to feel, think and aspire are concerned. Makhaya, on the run from South Africa where he is wanted for revolutionary activities, crosses the border into Botswana. He's a thoroughly citified African, but ready to go bush to find himself and some of the eternal verities. Gilbert, a young Englishman in the tradition of English eccentrics, provides Mack's base--an experimental farm set up with the approval of the paramount chief in a territory to which he has relegated his troublesome younger brother who is committed to the tribal tyrannies. These are the elements of a cross-section of village life on the border of twentieth century methods and problems, its mixed-pressures exemplified in the untraditional independence of spirit displayed by the young widow with whom Mack falls in love. And, if the few Europeans in the story come across as unusually warm and decent, give the book points for the fact that the Africans do too-and that's a rarity in today's fiction out of Africa.

Pub Date: March 1, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1969

Categories: FICTION