Joseph Zobel's novel depicts young Jose's transition from childhood to adulthood, and his growing awareness of the plight of local plantations workers, the struggle and the hope of his weary grandmother, and the cruel injustices of a colonial society. His journey from the palm trees and dirt streets of his village to the urban Fort-de-France is a powerful testament to 20th-century life in Martinique. It is also an exploration of writing's ability to transcend race and class discrimination, as well as its role in the exploitation and domination of others.
