It's the first book I have read from Coetzee and what a cracker it is. Poised, understated and beautifully crafted. The main character David is far from likeable man but his reactions and musings are completely believable and utterly engrossing. At no point does it try to be neat in its response to the very real South African social dilemmas presented. The only point that I found difficult to swallow was David's later affair but that said, it didn't detract from the sense of menace that builds throughout the novel.

First book I've read by the JM Coetzee. I was expecting big things based on all the awards. This novel is average at best. There are far better writers out there. It's not a bad book, but the story line isn't believable and the writing just isn't that good. Shameful that books like "Three Day Road" by Boyden don't make the list for the Booker and this actually wins it...go figure!

I've never read any books by J.M. Coetzee, but I'm really glad I read this one. Winner of the 1999 Booker prize and winner of the Nobel prize for literature, 2003, it's just a fabulous read. A very different sort of narration, and its so well written that you become totally engrossed in the characters and their lives. Even the main character, David Lurie, although he's a real cad, having been kicked out of his university teaching job for fraternizing with a student, is someone you dislike, but enjoy reading about.