"In the mid-1950s, lonely middle-aged spinster, Phyllis, has spent much of her adult life caring for her ailing mother. After her mother's death she takes a position as a matron at an exclusive Cape Town boarding school, and begins to keep a journal of her daily encounters and experiences - something she has not done since the age of 16, before becoming pregnant by her cousin and being forced to give the child up for adoption. As she tries to settle into her new life, Phyllis remains haunted by the shame she brought on her family. When a new boy is enrolled into the school, Phyllis becomes convinced he is her grandson. Michael, small and vulnerable, quickly becomes a victim of bullying, and Phyllis finds a renewed purpose in seeing to his comfort and protection. But the purpose she has found for herself will have consequences more devastating than she could have ever imagined."--Publisher's description.