When Emma Brockes was ten years old, her mother said 'One day I will tell you the story of my life and you will be amazed.' Growing up in a tranquil English village, Emma knew very little of her mother's life before her. She knew Paula had grown up in South Africa and had seven siblings.

If you think that's aggressive then you really haven't lived -- South Africa, 1932-1960 -- Chasing the train -- London, Buckinghamshire, London -- Departure -- At the archive -- A very interesting group of people -- Friends are like jewels -- Gold jewelry -- Everything that matters -- Hearsay -- Eloff Street on a Saturday morning -- Tony -- Babanango -- Who wears hats to the dentist -- Freedom day -- Afterward -- Epilogue.