The novel is a raw and unflinching portrayal of Elizabeth's mental breakdown as she navigates a new life while burdened by her past traumas. Her descent into madness is depicted through vivid hallucinations and encounters with the enigmatic figures of Dan and Sello. However, the novel also charts her journey of healing, as she slowly confronts her demons and begins to piece together her shattered self.

Born of a mixed-race heritage in a society deeply scarred by apartheid, Elizabeth's sense of self is fragmented. The novel explores the psychological impact of racism and the constant struggle for identity in a world that seeks to define and confine individuals based on their race. Elizabeth's experiences become a powerful indictment of the dehumanizing effects of racial prejudice.

The title itself hints at the central theme of power dynamics. Elizabeth grapples with external forces of oppression and internal battles for control over her own mind and body. The characters of Dan and Sello represent different facets of power – one benevolent, the other tyrannical – further complicating Elizabeth's understanding of agency and her place in the world. Her journey becomes a quest to reclaim her own power in a world seemingly determined to strip her of it.