Family shapes our identity from "summary" of The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
As a young boy growing up in South Africa, Peekay experienced firsthand the powerful influence of family on shaping one's identity. Raised primarily by his Zulu nanny, Mary, Peekay formed a deep connection with the black community that surrounded him. Their customs, beliefs, and traditions became an integral part of his upbringing, molding him into a respectful and compassionate individual with a strong sense of justice. However, Peekay's family situation took a drastic turn when his mother, whom he hardly knew, came to reclaim him from Mary's care. Suddenly thrust into a world of privilege and prejudice, Peekay struggled to reconcile the conflicting values of his two families. While his mother hoped to groom him into a successful Englishman, Peekay's heart remained with the Zulu people who had shaped his character and instilled in him a profound respect for all individuals, regardless of their race or social standing. Despite the challenges he faced in navigating the expectations of his birth family, Peekay never forgot the lessons he learned from Mary and...
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