It was first published in 2005 by Saqi Books and concerns racism and family life.

[2] Maggie Gee visited Uganda in 2003, sponsored by the Cheltenham Literature Festival's 'Across Continents' commission and a Society of Authors grant,[3] and the novel features many scenes set in that country.

[4] The story is told from the viewpoint of Vanessa Henman, an English writer, and Mary Tendo Ugandan graduate of Makerere University.

Justin asks for Mary who looked after him as a child so Vanessa writes to her.

Mary returns to London to help Justin, but this time not as a cleaner...