Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo travels to Johannesburg on an errand for a friend and to visit his son, Absalom, only to learn Absalom has been accused of murdering white city engineer and social activist Arthur Jarvis and stands very little chance of receiving mercy.

Alan Paton - teacher, author, politician - was one of South Africa's most remarkable sons. This documentary reveals the man and the complex relationship he had with his country. Repelled by the racism he saw all around him in his homeland, he wrote Cry, the Beloved Country, the novel that had the most profound effect in the worldwide struggle against apartheid. His Christian conscience, which would not allow him to be a mere commentator, propelled...

Lost in the stars transforms Alan Paton's world famous novel of racial oppression, Cry the beloved country, into a tragic and beautiful film musical unlike any you've ever seen.

Each volume provides discussions of the literary and historical background of novels from various cultures and time periods. Includes concise synopses of plot, characters and themes, a brief author biography, discussion of the story's cultural and historical significance, and excerpted criticism.