Khalil “the Companion” is given his name by the One Above at his birth in 1903. Despite evidence of this divine interest, Khalil’s 80-odd years of life remain fairly ordinary, even though many of these years are spent under the far-from-ordinary conditions of the System in South Africa. Apart from the high moments—an adolescent trip to India, the fleshly delights on his wedding night, and a memorable evening spent with the Black Pimpernel at an abortive New Unity Movement meeting—Khalil’s later life is mostly taken up with trying to keep his wife and children happy and fed. Nevertheless, just as Khalil’s birth was an event discussed at length by the aunties of the neighborhood, at the end of his life, Khalil realizes his life’s journey contains many memorable moments.