The novel is a poignant exploration of political exile, social change, and agricultural innovation set in Botswana. It follows the story of Makhaya, a refugee fleeing apartheid South Africa, who finds solace and purpose in a rural village where he meets an Englishman running an experimental farm. Together, they work to transform the arid landscape and the lives of the local people, battling against both natural adversity and the resistance of traditionalists. The narrative delves into themes of personal healing, community development, and the struggle against oppressive systems, all set against the backdrop of Africa's complex postcolonial challenges.