Like Coetzee's other novels (Waiting for the Barbarians, Life and Times of Michael K.), Disgrace is a short yet intense study on individuals challenged by society/environment. However unlike his other novels, the story and characters in Disgrace are easily identifiable - and hence, it is perhaps the most moving novel of the lot.

Disgrace overviews the life of a disgraced university professor who, upon forced to leave his post, moves in with his estranged lesbian daughter on her rural "farm" (actually, a kennel out in the wilds of South Africa). While at the farm an incident occurs which makes the professor and his daughter re-evaluate their lives (..sorry, I really want to avoid divulging the story). The story is painfully plausible, and the complex characters and their interactions make this to be a fine read. And the modern South African setting only adds to the complexity and intrigue.

My only grumble with Disgrace is Coetzee's usage of symbolism at various points. I found such symbolism to be too obvious and utterly gratuitous. Otherwise I think most everyone over 18 would enjoy this book.