One of the main characters, Kumalo, is facing an endless battle. One of sorrrow, fear, and stress. He longs for his missing son and peace within his heart. Kumalo is beginning to lose hope not only in his religion, but also in his efforts to find his son around the middle of the novel. As he speaks with another character, Father Vincent, Kumalo begins to nearly lose his mind from the overwhelming emotions. With a stern voice Father Vincent finally declares “Stop, cried father Vincent. You are beside yourself. Go and pray, go and rest. And do not judge your son too quickly.” (Paton, 141). However, a few short sentences later, Kumalo responds, “but I have no hope anymore.” (Paton, 141).  The author is depicting a wandering soul who longs for ends to meet within his adversity. As the indigineous people of his country find more persecution in their lives, one misfortune seems to happen after the next. The author does a wonderful job at connecting this character to the way we may feel. Lost and alone. Walking through a big city and leaving his beautiful country of rolling hills and kind hearted civilians. Stepping into the unknown means Kumalo must step away from the comforts of home, and bitterly face the truth of the world. A truth filled with tragedy and heartbreak. Not only that, but sin as well. Kumalo discovers a world of people living and breathing in a treacherous sinful enviornment. Where the question of their safety is mentioned at every turn. Kumalo is, as Father Vincent said, beside himself. The author’s development of the character has transformed from the calm sorrowful man we were able to see in the beginning of the novel, to a hysterical mess. I believe Kumalo will continue to develop as he encounters further adversity and walks unknown paths. I see Kumalo in myself at certain points in my life. Wondering if the light will ever appear. I continue to remind myself that “Happiness appears only in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore. This quote is not only relevant to me, but also to Kumalo’s journey in saving his son and returning to the beloved country.