The story of lucky simelane

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.

Lucky has been brought up in a small rural black community. But is he really black? The others tease him because of his light brown eyes and blond hair. He has vague notions of having been abducted from his white family, and there are remnants of Afrikaans words somewhere in his head.Lucky has been brought up in a small rural black community. But is he really black? The others tease him because of his light brown eyes and blond hair. He has vague notions of having been abducted from his white family, and there are remnants of Afrikaans words somewhere in his head. So Lucky sets out on a quest to discover who he is. When people find out about Lucky's dilemma, it touches a raw nerve in the national psyche, and the debate about identity and ethnic origin starts to swirl around the young man, confusing rather than clarifying, diffusing rather than focusing his search for himself. What is it to be African? What does a family mean to a growing child? Does it matter what language you speak or think in? What if you're not even sure of your name? Issues of identity and belonging crowd in on Lucky, who is thrown off balance by the publicity surrounding him, yet enjoys the attention and sudden 'celebrity' this brings. In the end, who is Lucky? And can Lucky cope with being Lucky?