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Quote by Alan Paton

“Have you a room that you could let?" "Yes, I have a room that I could let, but I do not want to let it. I have only two rooms, and there are six of us already, and the boys and girls are growing up. But school books cost money, and my husband is ailing, and when he is well it is only thirty-five shillings a week. And six shillings of that is for the rent, and three shillings of that is for the rent, and three shillings for travelling, and a shilling that we may all be buried decently, and a shilling for the books, and three shillings is for clothes and that is little enough, and a shilling for my husband's beer, and a shilling for his tobacco, and these I do not grudge for he is a decent man and does not gamble or spend his money on other women, and a shilling for the Church, and a shilling for sickness. And that leaves seventeen shillings for food for six, and we are always hungry. Yes I have a room but I do not want to let it. How much could you pay?" "I could pay three shillings a week for the room." "And I would not take it." "Three shillings and sixpence." "Three shillings and sixpence. You can't fill your stomach on privacy. You need privacy when your children are growing up, but you can't fill your stomach on it. Yes, I shall take three shillings and sixpence.”

Quote by Alan Paton

Book:Cry, the Beloved Country
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Work

Cry, the Beloved Country

Set in South Africa, the story follows a black man who returns home to find his son involved in a tragic crime. The narrative delves into the complexities of racial tensions and the impact of apartheid on individuals and communities. more

Author

Alan Paton
Alan Paton

Alan Paton, born on January 11, 1903, and died on April 12, 1988, was a renowned South African author and human rights activist. He is best known for his novel 'Cry, the Beloved Country,' which focuses on the social issues of South Africa, particularly the lives of black people under the apartheid system. more

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