Customer Reviews

When Rain Clouds Gather

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"When Rain Clouds Gather," the novel by Bessie Head, tells the story of a black South African refugee named Makhayo. He crosses the border into Botswana and becomes part of the village of Golema Mundi, whose members are experimenting with new agricultural methods under the tutelage of a white Englishman named Gilbert Balfour. Makhaya quickly becomes entwined in the political and social lives of Gilbert and the villagers.

This book offers a fascinating look at rural African life. Head's topics include social and political change, conflict between science and traditional ways, tribalism, the role of traditional African chiefs, religion, race relations, and male-female relations.

Overall, a compelling story. The author bio at the beginning of the book notes that Head was herself born in South Africa and eventually was granted Botswanan citizenship. For a good companion text to this novel, try "the Villagers," by Jorge Icaza.

When Rain Clouds Gather is just a wonderful tale. I found myself unable to put it down simply because the narrative itself is fascinating. Perhaps this is because I was reading about a place I know very little about and a culture that is still a mystery to me. After reading it, I was left more curious about Bessie Head as a person than anything else and the place from whence she came. I would reccomend this book to anyone who is curious about a people unlike any other, described by a woman who's been there and lived inside the story.

After reading When Rain Clouds Gather for an AP English class I realized more about myself. With the moral and ethical backrounds being so different from my own it was extremely interesting. Although very slow-moving at times, especially with all the talk about agriculture, it still had a heart-felt story. By reading this novel, it helped me to realize how religion and wealth have both enriched and spoiled our own lives.

I had purchased this book years ago while in college and it was just taking up space on my bookshelf. I finally got around to reading it and I am so glad that I did. It is a wonderfully written and poignant story. That love prevails at the end is just icing on the cake. Highly recommended.

"When Rain Clouds Gather" follows an African refugee named Makhaya across the border from South Africa into Botswana. He settles in the village of Golema Mmidi, where he starts life anew. Makhaya meets and Englishman by the name of Gilbert Balfour, who Makhaya joins to help ameliorate the life of the villagers.

The book concentrates mainly on the agricultural aspects of this rural African life. This subject was quite irksome at times, including several pages devoted to the subject of the grain millet. Those pages provided a very relevant point regarding the fact that many Africans wouldn't eat millet, because it was eaten by "lesser" tribes, even though it was a much tougher crop than what they were growing at the time. The author Bessie Head also provided a different perspective from the normal American viewpoint on political and social relations in this southern African country.

Notwithstanding the good description on life in a different part of the world, this book was quite platitudinous in nature. The writing lacked originality and style, which may discourage a reader. Admittedly, there may not have been any kind of action in rural Africa, but the plot line of this book went at a lethargic pace. Many of its subplots died off into nothingness, not to be mentioned again. For example, the political advisor to the chief of Golema Mmidi was mentioned a few times in the beginning of the book, giving the impression that he would play an important role later on. But partway through the story, he departs to a different part of the country, never to return. The book also lacked a definitive ending.

Generally speaking, "When Rain Clouds Gather" offers a good view into bucolic Africa. However, this fresh perspective does not make up for the lack of plot.

A story about a black refugee from South Africa who finds a new home and the meaning of life in a small Botwana village. This book is a rare contemporary well-written portrayal of African village life, values, and impediments to progress.

This book really touched me in the sense that you were inside of Botswana living the rugid life. It was amazing, especially living in America, to read and experience that lifestyle through Bessie Head. She really kept to her plot and branched off staying steady. She is amazing!

This book was beautiful! I enjoyed reading the plot and the interesting twists that she added. Politically and emotionally stimulating!

I just finished reading When Rain Clouds Gather and found it absolutely delightful. It is a good portrait of one man and one village and takes you to a place you may not have known.

Hi, I did When Rain Clouds Gather in my 11 Grade, im From South Africa! This Book Stimulated my thoughts about what happened here in this part of the world, the stuggle and the Lack of equal Rights! It also made you wonder, how many African Children Didnt get an Education or an Good Education! This is a Book that i would advise you read, its Honest, tells it as it happened, or in some case in Africa, as it still is happening!