36 pages • 1 hour read
The Road to Mecca
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Book Brief
375
Play • Fiction
Nieu-Bethesda, South Africa • 1970s
1985
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard, inspired by the life of Helen Martins and her artistic home, “The Owl House,” follows the story of Miss Helen, an elderly woman in the rural South African village of New Bethesda, as she grapples with depression and the pressures from her community and local pastor Marius Byleveld to move to an old age home, while receiving support from her younger friend Elsa Barlow. Sensitive topics include depression, thoughts of suicide, and abortion.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Inspirational
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
662 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard is frequently praised for its powerful exploration of individuality and artistic freedom, conveyed through compelling dialogue and strong character development. However, some critics believe the pacing can be slow and the narrative overly introspective, which may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking and evocative experience.
Who Should Read The Road to Mecca?
A reader with a deep appreciation for introspective and character-driven narratives, such as in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, will enjoy The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard. This individual values explorations of personal freedom and artistic expression amidst societal pressures.
662 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elsa Barlow
Elsa Barlow
A 28-year-old teacher from Cape Town with progressive views on social issues, who shares a deep friendship with Helen and challenges the town's traditional values.
Marius Byleveld
Marius Byleveld
A church pastor in New Bethesda who embodies traditional views and tries to persuade Helen to move to a home for the aged, while having a complex relationship with her and Elsa.
375
Play • Fiction
Nieu-Bethesda, South Africa • 1970s
1985
Adult
18+ years
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