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Cover of The Conservationist
Literary Fiction· South Africa

The Conservationist

by Nadine Gordimer
Aggregate Editorial Score60/100
★Booker Prize
Published 1974English
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About This Book

Published in 1974, The Conservationist established Nadine Gordimer as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. The Conservationist is a profound exploration of land ownership and identity in South Africa, written by Nobel Prize-winning author Nadine Gordimer. The novel tells the story of Mehring, a wealthy industrialist who owns a farm he barely understands. Through Mehring's interactions with the land and its people, Gordimer examines themes of alienation, colonialism, and the complex relationship between humans and nature. Themes of land ownership, identity, alienation run through the work. The book has received recognition from Booker Prize 1974.

Book Details

AuthorNadine Gordimer
Published1974
Country of Origin🇿🇦 South Africa
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780140047165
Editorial Score60/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇿🇦 South Africa

This book is part of South Africa's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from South Africa →

Editorial Assessment

The Conservationist by Nadine Gordimer sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1974 in South Africa, it engages with land ownership, identity, alienation, colonialism in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Conservationist among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Booker Prize 1974. Our aggregate score of 60/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to The Conservationist for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of land ownership, identity, alienation, colonialism is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. The Conservationist reflects Nadine Gordimer's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with South Africa's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
winner · global
19740
✍️
About the Author
Nadine Gordimer
South Africa
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Nadine Gordimer is a South Africa author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Conservationist about?

The Conservationist is a profound exploration of land ownership and identity in South Africa, written by Nobel Prize-winning author Nadine Gordimer. The novel tells the story of Mehring, a wealthy industrialist who owns a farm he barely understands. Through Mehring's interactions with the land and its people, Gordimer examines themes of alienation, colonialism, and the complex relationship between humans and nature.

Who wrote The Conservationist?

The Conservationist was written by Nadine Gordimer, from South Africa. First published in 1974.

What awards has The Conservationist won?

The Conservationist has received the following recognition: Booker Prize 1974.

Is The Conservationist worth reading?

The Conservationist is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in land ownership, identity, alienation.

Where can I buy The Conservationist?

You can buy The Conservationist on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Conservationist?

The Conservationist is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Conservationist from?

The Conservationist originates from South Africa's literary tradition. Explore more books from South Africa on our country page.

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