Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the novel’s depictions of graphic violence, alcohol use disorder, death, sexual assault, and systemic racism.

Alexandra Fuller, nicknamed “Bobo” by her family, emerges from the pages of her memoir as a complex and multifaceted character grappling with the profound impact of her upbringing in colonial Africa.

Born in England but raised in Africa, Alexandra grapples with a sense of rootlessness and identity crisis. This struggle is evident in her conflicted relationship with her African upbringing and her English heritage, as she navigates the complexities of a dual identity. The motif of displacement (See: Symbols & Motifs) permeates her narrative, reflecting her frequent moves across various African countries and the broader historical context of colonialism’s lasting impact on both Africans and European settlers. Despite her deep emotional connection to Africa, Alexandra’s identity remains fragmented, as she struggles to reconcile her conflicting loyalties and sense of belonging.

Alexandra showcases an awareness of her family’s racist attitudes and colonial privilege. Her inclusion of racist behavior she exhibited toward African servants as a child reflects the entrenched prejudices of her upbringing.