38 pages • 1 hour read
Mark BehrThe Smell of Apples
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.