after years teaching romantic poetry at the technical university of cape town, david lurie, middle-aged and twice divorced, has an impulsive affair with a student. the affair sours; he is denounced and summoned before a committee of inquiry. willing to admit his guilt, but refusing to yield to pressure to repent publicly, he resigns and retreats to his daughter lucy`s isolated farm. for a time, his daughter`s influence and the natural rhythms of the farm promise to harmonize his discordant life. but the balance of power in the country is shifting. he and lucy become victims of a savage and disturbing attack which brings into relief all the faults in their relationship. chilling, uncompromising and unforgettable, disgrace is a masterpiece.