Rage [Paperback]

Wilbur Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 1988

Its 1952. Bitterly divided by the struggles of their native land, the Courtney family empire has come to dominate the lives of all South Africans, white and black alike. But revolution is in the air and Shasa Courtney finds he must choose between his ideals and the quest for power.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this latest epic, popular novelist Smith (The Leopard Hunts in Darkness) takes on a difficult challenge, telling of post-World War II South Africa. What he has created is a hybrid. His narrative seriously addresses the conflicts of whites and blacks, the differences between British and Afrikaners, and the tribes and personalities vying for control of the African National Congress. But it's also a soap opera, one of those conventional generational sagas with a contrived forbidden love affair between a white and a black, adultery and the rivalry between two men who do not realize they are half-brothers. The combination is simultaneously thrilling and embarrassing. Shasa Courtney is a wealthy United Party minister to the South African Parliament. A moderate of English heritage, he is often opposed to the Nationalist Party's Manfred De La Rey, an Afrikaner. Their mother, the matriarchal Centaine Courtney-Malcomess, is able to mediate their conflicts but not to control Shasa's wife, Tara, who sympathizes with the black cause. It is Tara who falls in love with the black Moses Gama, an advocate of violent opposition to apartheid. All their stories intermingle with the history of South Africa in the '50s and '60s. Smith's account of some of the worst racial riots is terrifying and his storytelling powers are strong, but readers of Rage will likely come away wondering whether turgid sub-plots really enhance a novel about one of the world's most troubled countries.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Smith continues the family saga set in South Africa which he began in The Burning Shore and The Power of the Sword. This new novel focuses on the half brothers, Shasa Courtney and Manfred De La Rey, now high officials in the Nationalist government. During the mounting protest and violence brought on by apartheid in the 1950s and early 1960s, these former enemies find themselves working together to save the land they both love. Other family members are involved too. Michael, one of Shasa's sons, becomes a reporter who opposes apartheid, while Lothar, Manfred's son, is a policeman who enforces it. The interlocking stories of these and many others, set against the authentic African historical and cultural background that Smith so effectively provides, produces both a compelling tale and some real insights into South Africa. Recommended. Judith Nixon, Purdue Univ. Lib., W. Lafayette, Ind.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan; later printing edition (May 6, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330302639
• ISBN-13: 978-0330302630
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #580,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Wilbur Smith was born in Central Africa in 1933. He was educated at Michaelhouse and Rhodes University. After the successful publication of WHEN THE LION FEEDS in 1964 he became a full-time writer, and has since written 30 novels, all meticulously researched on his numerous expeditions worldwide. His books have been translated into twenty-six different languages

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing if not totally original generational epic., May 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Rage (Mass Market Paperback)

Wilbur Smith has been turning out novels since the 1960's. He has lived in most of the southern nations of Africa and experienced many of the turbulant times that he has written about. Though he sometimes uses cliches ranging from broad shoulderd heros to sophisticated intelligent but very evil villians his novels deliver one to Africa. RAGE is either the fourth or perhaps the fifth installment of the Courtenay saga. It begins in the late 40's and concludes in the sixties with the struggle against apartheid in South Africa reaching violent levels. The other books in this generational series are engrossing,but like all good recreational reads their intellectual content are minimual. In RAGE Smith takes a hard look at his country and it's tragic past. Plus when this book was written Mandella was still in prison and Apartheid was the law of the land. This book must have been a difficult venture for the author, but he accomplishes the task very well. I strongly reccomend not just this work, but all his novels. they are exciting and just plain fun. Give him a try next time you are at your local bookstore and leave the latest Grisham or Crichton on the shelve. You won't be sorry.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rage, April 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Rage (Mass Market Paperback)

Wilbur Smith never fails to capture me with his writings. Rage is a wonderful depiction of a whole different world in South Africa. While he changes a few details it is still a very good indication of a life that many Americans do not understand. While entertaining us with his magnificent choice of words he is also educating us on a life style or self-being of the South African person. I actually find his books very helpful in understanding the world my fiance was born. When someone asks me why I love his work so much my reply is simply, "I can see his words" Absolutely wonderful.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, April 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Rage (Mass Market Paperback)

Rage is based on Nelson Mandella's life. Wilbur Smith bases all of his books on fact, so you learn about the cultures of each of the tribes, politics, etc. Only his characters are fictional. Rage is a TERRIFIC READ! The book, River God, is the only exception. Buy it--I promise you won't be able to put it down!