What’s the hook?

This award-winning title provides a moving insight into life and conditions for a

black family in apartheid South Africa. This edition contains a revised

introduction by author Beverly Naidoo, which provides an insight into her own

experiences and the inspiration for the novel. A sequence of photographs from

the period is also included, to help pupils understand the harsh realities faced by

Naledi and Tiro.

What are the themes?

Individual vs. society, families and different cultures.

Teaching points

Ideal for thought-provoking multicultural work. Provides numerous opportunities

for exploring narrative devices, characterisation and the wider historical context

of the novel. New versions of the author’s essay and introduction provide an

ideal opportunity for developing pupils’ cultural and critical understanding.