http://www.powells.com/biblio/17-9780140061109-4 - Yet another Coetzee novel - I am loving him and plan to keep reading these until I run out. This is the story of a magistrate in an unnamed country - where "barbarians" threaten what seem to be white conquerors of some kind. When the magistrate discovers that prisoners are being tortured by his men, he expresses his sympathy and takes in one of the barbarian women. But, while the magistrate condemns the men who beat the prisoners, he himself keeps this woman seemingly against her will. His allegiances are eventually regarded as treasonous and he is dealt with accordingly. It is impossible to read this book and not think of the U.S. actions in Guantanamo and the Middle East. Again, Coetzee has written a beautiful book about a horribly uncomfortable topic.
(* - listed in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die)
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