The Conservationist

About “The Conservationist”

Mehring is a wealthy man in South Africa who possesses all the advantages the country offers. However, his possessions turn against him. His wife, son, and mistress leave him, his workers grow distant, and the land itself becomes hostile through drought and flood, destroying his farm. Nadine Gordimer's 1974 novel explores Mehring's character, portraying him as both reckless and calculating. It reflects on the forces and relationships shaping South Africa, focusing on a man who is left with only the option of self-preservation. The story offers a detailed look at the social and personal tensions of the time.