Although several issues specific to South African culture are explored, this novel for both young readers and teachers—in which Lucky Simelane's quest for self-discovery eventually touches a raw nerve in the national psyche—raises universal questions pertaining to identity, ethnic origin, family, and belonging. Raised in a rural, black community and teased because of his light brown eyes and blond hair, Lucky's conflict reveals both his personal struggle for identity and the confusing public reaction to his cultural make-up.

Robin Malan is the former assistant head at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College. He is the author of Inscapes, New Inscapes, Rebel Angel, The Sound of New Wings, The Southern African Impossible Book Quiz Book! and Worldscapes.