Simple elegant prose telling a grim fairy tale of an evil empire. The magistrate and Stoll characters will not be forgotten.

The book clearly shows how the interperatation of events can differ so drastically from person to person, with reference to the cruely and self interest of the colonial powers. As with many of J.M. Coetzees' other books, the protagonists' real troubles begin with a sexual laison based on lust with a much younger woman, and also a "Barbarian.'

This is the 67th of a series of titles selected by writer Yann Martel to provide to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to encourage an appreciation of the arts and literature in particular in the PM, and to also help Harper with his stillness and thoughtfulness. Martel has regularly sent books from a wide range of literary traditions to Harper. Martel has devoted a Web site to the reading list and his kind, considered and often poignant covering letters with each volume. (All of his letters can be read at http://www.whatisstephenharperreading.ca/ ... and obviously they can now be read in printed form!) Martel's thoughtful persistence in this quest, started in April 2007, is both heartwrenching and highly commendable. He has never received a direct acknowledgement from Harper, and only some fairly form-letter responses from Harper's staff. He has also received a response from Industry Minister Tony Clement, but it wasn't directly related to any of Martel's book selections. J.M. Coetzee often tackles difficult subject matter, and expresses it in thorny and not always pleasant ways. As Martel tellingly remarks about this book, "Hard to read it and not feel indignation at the wickedness of agents of the state who in the name of the law take the law in their own hands."