A Very Strange Society

A Very Strange Society is Allen Drury's 1967 examination of South Africa during its transition to becoming a republic. Drawing from extensive time spent in the country, Drury documents the social and political landscape through interviews, news reports, and government documents. The book captures a pivotal moment in South African history, presenting perspectives from various segments of society including government officials, citizens, and activists. It focuses on the implementation of new policies and their impact on different racial and ethnic groups within the nation. Drury explores the complex tensions between modernization efforts and traditional practices, while documenting daily life across South African communities. His reporting covers both urban centers and rural areas, examining how political changes affected various aspects of society. The work stands as a significant historical snapshot of a nation in transition, raising questions about the relationship between governance, social justice, and national identity. Through its detailed observations, the book offers insight into the foundations of modern South Africa.

Limited reader reviews exist online for this 1968 non-fiction book about apartheid-era South Africa. The few available reviews mention its value as a firsthand account of South African society during this period, though note the dated perspective. Readers appreciated: - Detailed reporting from Drury's time in South Africa - Interviews with South Africans from different backgrounds - Documentation of both Black and white perspectives Common criticisms: - Writing can be dry and dense in places - Some views and language reflect biases of the era - Lacks historical context beyond the mid-1960s period Available Ratings: Goodreads: No rating (too few reviews) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating WorldCat: No user ratings Note: This book has limited online presence and few contemporary reviews. Most academic libraries hold copies but public discussion/reviews are sparse.

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🔷 Pulitzer Prize winner Allen Drury spent four months in South Africa researching this book, interviewing hundreds of people from all racial and social backgrounds. 🔷 Released in 1967, the book came at a time when international pressure against apartheid was intensifying, with the UN General Assembly having condemned it as a crime against humanity in 1966. 🔷 The author was primarily known for political fiction, making this non-fiction work a significant departure from his usual style. His most famous novel, "Advise and Consent," was published in 1959. 🔷 The book's title "A Very Strange Society" came from a quote by Jan Smuts, former Prime Minister of South Africa, who used these words to describe his country's complex social structure. 🔷 Despite being a journalist's account, the book faced criticism for its relatively sympathetic portrayal of the white South African government's perspective, reflecting the complicated nature of reporting during the apartheid era.