Gordimer's 'Country Lovers' is a significant work. It portrays the harsh reality of racial segregation. The relationship in the story is both beautiful and tragic. Beautiful in the sense of the pure emotions between the lovers, but tragic because of the society they live in. The story shows how love can exist even in the most oppressive of circumstances, yet also how that same love can be destroyed by external forces like prejudice and discrimination. It's a story that forces the reader to confront the inequalities of the past.
In 'Country Lovers', Gordimer explores themes of race, love, and society. The story shows how the interracial relationship between the two main characters is affected by the social context of apartheid. It's a poignant look at the power dynamics and the unspoken rules that govern such relationships.