Synopsis (Credit: Back cover)

After years teaching Romantic poetry at the Technical University of Cape Town, David Lurie, middle-aged and twice divorced, has an impulsive affair with a student. The affair sours; he is denounced and summoned before a committee of inquiry. Willing to admit his guilt, but refusing to yield to pressure to repent publicly, he resigns and retreats to his daughter Lucy's isolated farm.

For a time, his daughter's influence and the natural rhythms of the farm promise to harmonise his discordant life. But the balance of power in the country is shifting. He and Lucy become victims of a savage and disturbing attack which brings into relief all the faults in their relationship.

Winner: Man Booker Prize for Fiction 1999.
Winner: Commonwealth Writers' Best Book 2000.
Shortlist: NBCCA Fiction 1999.
Shortlist: Best of Booker 2008.
On the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List.

(Bought second-hand at Help the Rural Child Charity Bookshop, Main Road, Retreat.)

When I found an audiobook version of this book in the library, I grabbed the opportunity despite having the book on my bookshelf. The advantage is that I could listen to it while commuting, thereby gaining bonus 'reading' time.

Disgrace: one word, so many manifestations. Coetzee takes one through many of them, unflinchingly and often where one least expects it.

Naming and describing the disgrace is one thing. The tough part of the journey is how to continue life once disgraced or while in a state of disgrace. No romanticising here. Changes are inevitable, and one has to give up so many things.

Not an easy journey. Not a narrative one is likely to forget.

To be dropped off at the OBCZ later today.

If you are new to BookCrossing and found this book, welcome! Enjoy the site, the book, and the BookCrossing community.

BookCrossing has not taken off in a big way in South Africa yet, but there are a number of dedicated BookCrossers across the country who are actively involved to grow the concept. A discussion group for BookCrossers in the wider Cape Town area, BCct, was set up to make it easier to arrange meetups or to spread local news. If you are a BookCrosser from this part of the world or planning a visit, pease feel free to join. Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcct for more information.

Whether you decide to join or not, please make a journal entry — now, and again when you decide to release the book to continue its journey.