![]() ![]() David struggles to understand Lucy’s acceptance of what happens (without giving anything away) and he has an undercurrent of shame which just adds to the disgrace of the book’s title. ![]() Not only that, the horrific crime which occurs at Lucy’s farm (as well as the later crime David suffers) is almost expected. Also the assumptions of how the colour of skin determines our status. The casual disregard for women, which feels almost institutional in the early stages of the novel, for example. I found myself opening up to the realisation that so much in life is just accepted. What Coetzee does so well with this book is blend the personal, intricate details of lives being lived with the deeper issues of class, race and gender as South Africa attempted to prepare for the 21st century. Lucy lives on a countryside smallholding and her lifestyle, as well as the company she keeps, is a startling departure for David. From a position of respect and comfort, Lurie’s life is dismantled and he finds himself seeking refuge with his daughter, Lucy. Coetzee’s direct and pointed narrative exposes the main character’s weaknesses and his traits as the whole episode unravels. ![]() David Lurie, a twice divorced teacher at the Technical University of Cape Town has a compulsive affair with a student. ![]()
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