There are two types of "happy endings", those of Disney movies, and those of lasting novels. Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton is one of those novels. Pastor Kumalo's long journey is one that, despite its tragic ending, was worth taking.

When we first meet Pastor Kumalo, he is already plagued with troubles. Many of his family members, including his brother, sister, and son, have left the village of Ndotsheni in order to seek a more fulfilling life in Johannesburg. Now, years since their departure, he has had no contact with them. One day he receives a letter from Johannesburg, asking the pastor to come to the city and help his sister Gertrude, who is very sick.

Kumalo takes what little money he and his wife have saved, and leaves for Johannesburg. Upon arriving in the city, he is in awe at the spectacle, never having seen...