Plot Summary

Too Late the Phalarope

Alan Paton
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Too Late the Phalarope

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1953

Book Brief

Alan Paton

Too Late the Phalarope

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1953
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Africa • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1953

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Too Late the Phalarope by Alan Paton tells the story of Pieter van Vlaanderen, an Afrikaner police officer in South Africa, who wrestles with his duty to enforce apartheid laws and his inner belief that they are fundamentally immoral. The narrative, told by his aunt Sophie, delves into Pieter's personal and moral conflicts, as well as the strained relationship with his father, and the consequences of his forbidden attraction to Stephanie, a Black woman. The book includes discussions of racial discrimination and violence.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Emotional

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,614 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Alan Paton's Too Late the Phalarope is predominantly praised for its lyrical prose and powerful exploration of apartheid in South Africa. Critics appreciate its deep character development and emotional impact, though some found the pacing slow and the story occasionally heavy-handed. Overall, it’s noted as a compelling and thought-provoking novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Too Late the Phalarope?

Readers who appreciate complex moral dilemmas and deep social commentary will enjoy Too Late the Phalarope by Alan Paton. This novel engages fans of Cry, the Beloved Country and To Kill a Mockingbird with its exploration of apartheid-era South Africa and its poignant narrative on human fallibility and redemption.

4.1

1,614 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Africa • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1953

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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