The 2-star rating is my own score reflecting how well I was able to connect with it, as opposed to an attempt at "judging" the book for literary quality. Perhaps given the benefit of lessons through time (more than four decades have passed since Gordimer wrote this novel) and my own personal background and experiences, this book didn't have a profound impact on me, nor did it spark a new perspective onto these issues for me. I am left feeling the same sense of hopelessness in finding a common ground and solution to bring together people who perceive themselves to be on diametrical opposites.