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July’s People by Nadine Gordimer Plot Summary | LitCharts

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July’s People imagines an alternate history in which a Black liberation movement forcefully overturns apartheid rule, embroiling the nation in a violent civil war that endangers the lives of the country’s minority white population. These circumstances force the Smaleses, an affluent, white South African family, to flee their suburban Johannesburg home. When rebel takeover of ports and airports makes escaping the country impossible, the Smaleses gratefully accept their Black servant, July’s, offer to seek refuge in his rural village. Forced to abandon their old life with no notice, the Smaleses arrive at July’s village with the clothes on their backs and little else. The Smaleses are well aware that they are lucky to be alive. However, life in July’s village is a huge culture shock for the family, who previously enjoyed a comfortable, privileged lifestyle in town. In July’s village, the family resides in a small, earthen hut. With no access to modern amenities, they learn to bathe in th

July’s People by Nadine Gordimer Plot Summary | LitCharts July’s People Introduction + Context Plot Summary Detailed Summary & Analysis Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Themes All Themes Racial Hierarchy and Apartheid Gratitude and Resentment White Liberalism and Hypocrisy Power Cultural Displacement Quotes Characters All Characters Maureen Smales Bam Smales July Martha July’s Mother Daniel The Chief Ellen Lydia Gina T

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