Coming-of-age story set in an Africa mired by corruption. 'Uncle Aziz' comes to visit 12-year-old Yusuf and his family. Yusuf doesn’t realise how momentous this visit is. Show more

Uncle Aziz returns and wants Yusuf to go on his next big trading expedition. He claims that Yusuf is now one of his most trusted staff. Show more

Khalil begins to tutor Yusuf in the ways of the shop. Uncle Aziz has 'adopted' Yusuf in lieu of a debt owed by his father. Show more

Yusuf begins his stay with Hamid and Maimuna, where he is required to act as their boy-servant, while Uncle Aziz goes off on another trading expedition. Show more

Yusuf is left with Hamid by Uncle Aziz. It is discovered that Yusuf has never learned to read the Koran properly, so he is sent to school. Show more

Yusuf has attracted the attentions of the mistress of the compound. Khalil is worried. His sister is her servant and she belongs to Uncle Aziz. Show more

The sultan Chatu is in no mood to let the caravan pass. He believes he has been exploited by previous merchants and is determined to exact vengeance. Show more

One sultan after another demands goods from the caravan in return for safe passage. None more insistent or cruel than Chatu. Show more

Amid rumours of war, Yusuf attempts to stay away from the mistress while loving Amina. Their situation seems hopeless. Is there any possibility of escape? Show more

A European arrives and challenges Chatu's authority. Escape may be possible for Yusuf and the merchants. But they have suffered significant losses. Show more