First published 1989
In 1930s South Africa, five-year-old Peekay faces a brutal boarding school and a racist society. But with the help of a pianist, a boxer, and African prisoners, he discovers a passion for boxing that becomes his ticket out. As he grows into a champion, Peekay must confront the harsh realities of apartheid and find the inner strength to forge his own path.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, coming-of-age, africa, south-africa
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: South Africa
Period: 1909-1961
544 pages · Paperback · Ballantine Books
Content warnings: racism