It is an instant South African classic with overtones of Herman Charles Bosman; Its connections to the world of Alan Paton add recognition appeal; The book talks directly to a generation of readers and book purchasers with whom the author has excellent connections; The brilliant pre-publication shout from Achille Mbembe gives credibility and authority to the collection

Jolyon Nuttall writes with feeling and depth–and often with wry humour–about episodes in his life as diverse as the romanticism of early loves, the agonies of boiling an egg, and learning to live alone after a long marriage. He has spurned the autobiography in favour of the essay as the Orwellian literary form in which to record these and other significant happenings in his life. Jolyon Nuttall is anything but a mediocre talent.