Book 46: Review of "The Promise", by Damon Galgut

This is a sensational novel, a family saga set in South Africa, structured around 4 family funerals. The author masterfully shows multiple viewpoints and perspectives, with a backdrop of the rapidly changing modern society from pre- to post-apartheid. I loved this very worthy winner of the 2021 Booker Prize.

[@elenastavropoulou4197]

Could not agree more with your review! Exactly what I felt and thought and wish I could articulate as beautifully as you do!

[@teresalouro1615]

Just finished The Good Doctor which I absolutely loved.

[@litwithcharles7780]

Thank you for the recommendation! I was wondering what I could follow up with so this is a very welcome comment 🙂

[@craigliken5983]

Yes fantastic novel. I have just finished it, and immediately re-reading it which is something I haven't done before! Like you I hadn't really heard much of Galgut, but will be looking to read his earlier works. I think your review covered the book really well and without spoilers, which was great. I haven't read the Gordimer novel - I'm sadly under-read in South African fiction - have read Coetzee's Disgrace, but that is about it - apart from The Promise of course.

[@litwithcharles7780]

I can totally imagine re-reading this, you're right it's that kind of book. The Gordimer novel seems intentionally dense & obtuse in comparison. Coetzee's Disgrace is a masterpiece, you read the right one!