JOURNEY CONTINUED: An Autobiography

by Paton Alan ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1988

The second and final installment of Paton's story of his life as teacher, writer, and political activist. He picks up the narrative in 1948, when ""two of the decisive events of my life occurred""--the publication of his novel Cry, the Beloved Country, and his retirement as principal of South Africa's Diepkioof Reformatory. These two events enabled Paton to write full time and eventually to turn his attention to the political scene in his native land. Much of the present volume is concerned with the establishment of the now-defunct Liberal Party of South Africa--with Paton detailing the objectives, internal rivalries, and successes and failures of that group in a straightforward and always engrossing manner. Included here are moving portraits of such personalities as Nelson Mandela and Bram Fischer, the leftist lawyer who defended many of the dissidents. On a lighter note, Paton also recounts his experiences with the flamboyant Alexander Korda (who filmed Cry) and with Maxwell Anderson (who used the novel as the basis for the musical Lost in the Stars). Paton further describes the long and loving relationship with his first wife, Dorrie, and his involvement with the Anglican Church. These are among the most affecting pages in his book. A modest but constantly involving self-portrait--and a moving testimonial to a life of dedication and courage (Paton died on April 12, 1988).

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Scribners

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1988

Categories: NONFICTION