Once it seemed to Kathleen Healey that Africa was empty and all of it belonged to her. An aviator, big-game hunter and knitting devotee, she would land her plane wherever and whenever she chose. She was free with her favours too, and her multitude of lovers came from all over the continent.

When Kathleen dies, her only son Alexander returns to Johannesburg to carry out her final wishes. But then he meets Cindy September, and Alexander must confront the final part of his mother's legacy - his capacity for love.