38 pages 1 hour read

Mark Behr

The Smell of Apples

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Smell of Apples by Mark Behr is narrated by 11-year-old Marnus Erasmus, a white Afrikaner living in Cape Town in the early 1970s. As the summer holidays approach, Marnus shares his daily life and observations, reflecting the influence of his parents' deeply ingrained racist views. The story navigates the complexities of apartheid, familial relationships, and childhood innocence. Sensitive topics of racial discrimination and sexual abuse are presented in the narrative.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Smell of Apples by Mark Behr offers a compelling narrative that explores themes of innocence, morality, and the impact of apartheid. Readers praise its evocative writing and powerful storytelling. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and certain plot points predictable. The novel's portrayal of historical and personal conflicts garners both commendation and critique.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Smell of Apples?

Readers who enjoy To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee will appreciate The Smell of Apples by Mark Behr. The novel's exploration of innocence, moral complexities, and a poignant personal journey against the backdrop of apartheid will resonate with those interested in historical and social issues.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Drama / Tragedy

Themes

Values/Ideas: Music

Period

Colonialism / Postcolonialism

Topics

History: World